Liverpool are set to welcome back 18 senior players from international duty as they prepare to host Premier League leaders Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday afternoon. The extended break for Nations League fixtures saw several key stars impress for their countries, with Jeremy Jacquet earning his first senior call-up for France.
Boss Zinedine Zidane hailed the "very, very good" player after two strong performances against Belgium and Italy. Now, the international contingent will gradually return to club training as Andoni Iraola begins planning for Enzo Maresca's City side.
Juventus target Giovanni Leoni
Juventus are reportedly seeking to "rebuild the Italian DNA" of their club, with Giovanni Leoni identified as a prime target. Gazzetta dello Sport claims the Serie A giants are hunting "Premier League defenders" to strengthen their backline and restore a national identity to the Old Lady.
The 19-year-old has barely featured for the Reds since arriving in August 2025, delivering a man-of-the-match display against Southampton before sustaining an ACL rupture. Leoni's debut campaign was cut short after just 80 minutes of action, and he has yet to pull on a Liverpool shirt since.
Despite interest from other clubs, Iraola appears to have ambitious intentions for the teenager, confirming in September that he would reintegrate the centre-back into the main squad during the international break. Speaking ahead of the Ipswich Town victory, the Reds boss said: "I think the next one probably should be Giovanni Leoni."
"I think the plan is also to start training during the break, with the group. I think even Fede [Chiesa] should be around those dates and probably Conor [Bradley], and especially Hugo [Ekitike], will go later, yes."
Jurgen Klopp rediscovers his love
Jurgen Klopp believes he has rediscovered his "love" for football after it was gradually worn away during his time at Anfield. The former Reds manager made a surprise exit from Anfield in 2024, citing that he was "running out of energy."
Following two years away from management, Klopp returned to take charge of his national side. Ahead of his fourth match as Germany boss against Greece, the 59-year-old declared he has rekindled his passion for the game.
Klopp said: "I missed nothing, but I realised I still love what I'm doing. It's a blessing to work together with players like [Aleksandar Pavlovic]. It's a pure joy. I'm blessed to watch the group I have from close. We've only just started, I'm looking forward to our common future."
Florian Wirtz has also grown fond of his new international boss, describing Klopp as a "true master" following a 2-0 victory over Serbia. Wirtz said: "He has a very good rapport with every player. [He tries] to approach every player and make him feel important and that he deserves to be here. It's important that every player feels valued. And I think Klopp is a true master at that."
