For the Liverpool players not involved in the international tournaments this summer, their break is almost over.
It has now been almost six weeks since the Reds played their final game of the season and said goodbye to the Jurgen Klopp era.
During the intervening period, 18 Liverpool players have been away with their senior national teams. 14 of those have continued on to either the Copa America or Euro 2024.
And while there have been mixed fortunes for Liverpool players at those two tournaments so far, their teammates have been enjoying some downtime.
Pre-season training will commence at the AXA Training Centre in the next couple of weeks, as the first Reds through the door look to impress Arne Slot. Ahead of that, one Liverpool star looks to have been getting some tips in from the one and only Steven Gerrard.
Curtis Jones shares Steven Gerrard photo meet
Gerrard himself is enjoying the summer break having spent his first season in the Saudi Pro League with Al Ettifaq.
It was not always an easy campaign for the Liverpool legend, but he stuck it out and guided his team to 6th in the table.
Since then, Gerrard has added Liverpool goalkeeping coach John Achterberg to his staff and will likely make another interesting couple of signings as well.
In the meantime though, Stevie looks like he’s been putting his feet up.
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There’s a parallel universe where Gerrard is preparing to take over from Klopp at Liverpool this summer. But in this realm, the nearest he’s getting to the Liverpool squad is a holiday snap with Curtis Jones.
Jones and Gerrard have a kinship already, of course. It was the Liverpool icon who brought the young Scouser through in the U18s and Gerrard has always spoken highly of Jones.
So, it was nice to see the pair of Liverpool academy graduates share a moment on holiday.
It was Jones who brought the photo to public attention, sharing a snap of he and Gerrard on his Instagram stories. Both stood by a pool somewhere sunny, they look to be having a relaxing time.
Curtis Jones ready for Liverpool return
With their history as player and coach, it seems likely that Jones and Gerrard will have discussed matters pertaining to football.
It does feel as though we’re saying the same thing every year at this point, but it’s another big summer for Curtis at Liverpool.
Klopp was very clearly a big fan of the 23-year-old. But with Slot now taking over, Jones is going to have to prove himself all over again.
To do that it’s vital that he stays injury free in the early days of pre-season and is able to take the bull by the horns while others are away.
If he can do that, then Jones can steal a march on his fellow midfielders who will return later in the summer.
Fail to win Slot over though, and it Jones may find himself set for another frustrating season.