Diogo Jota reacts on Instagram after being fouled by 24-year-old Liverpool player in training

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Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has laughed at Ibrahima Konate’s tactics to stop him during pre-season training

The two players are currently away with the rest of the Reds squad in Germany, as they step up preparations for the campaign.

And judging by Jota’s post on his Instagram Stories yesterday, Konate is taking training very seriously indeed.

The Portuguese shared a photo of the French defender getting ready to wrap his arms around him as he raced away during a practice match.

“You fancy a hug,” wrote Jota, tagging in Konate as well as adding a cry-laughing emoji.

That’s one way of stopping him!

Jota and Ibou mean business

With all the talk of what Liverpool’s midfield will look like next season, there’s a danger of their well-stocked attack getting overlooked.

But what a difference it will make to have all five forward options available to Jurgen Klopp right from the go.

Last season was a strange one for many reasons. Liverpool never having options up-front available despite having a large number of real quality players to pick from was one of those reasons.

At one point, Klopp had just Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah fit. Luis Diaz, Roberto Firmino and Jota himself were all out for long periods.

Cody Gakpo’s Janaury arrival eased that issue, as did the return to fitness of Diaz, Firmino and Jota towards the end of the season.

With Bobby now gone though, extra importance has been placed on the likes of Jota, Nunez and Gakpo. With the other two of that trio newer and shinier, Jota often gets left out of discussions of who should lead the Liverpool line.

But make no mistake, a fit Diogo could make all the difference to this team. He ended last season with a remarkable 7 goals in 9 games. When he’s on, he’s lethal. Take that form into the new season and he’ll stand a good chance of staying in the team. As long as Ibou doesn’t injure him first! Hug it out, lads!