Danny Ings vs. Tranmere Rovers. Credit: Propaganda

Photos: Liverpool begin pre-season with 1-0 win over Tranmere Rovers

Jurgen Klopp saw his Liverpool side seal a 1-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers on Friday night, as their busy pre-season begins.

The German celebrated signing a new six-year contract with a trip to Prenton Park, where he put his side through their paces in the first of nine pre-season friendlies.

Taking on a positive Tranmere side, a youthful Reds lineup endured an end-to-end contest in the first half.

Lining up on the right wing for his first appearance since joining Liverpool from Southampton, Sadio Mane produced a number of chances with his movement and persistence in the final third.

Sadio Mane vs. Tranmere Rovers Credit: Propaganda

Sadio Mane vs. Tranmere Rovers Credit: Propaganda

The 24-year-old looks to be developing a strong understanding with fellow forward Roberto Firmino, who started up front, with Klopp leaving Danny Ings on the substitutes’ bench.

Ovie Ejaria vs. Tranmere Rovers. Credit: Propaganda

Academy midfielder Ovie Ejaria lined up behind Firmino in the central role in Klopp’s attacking line, and impressed from the start, showcasing an awareness that belied his 18 years.

Despite the best efforts of Ejaria, Firmino, Mane and Ryan Kent, however, Liverpool went into the break with the scores level at 0-0.

Ben Woodburn vs. Tranmere Rovers. Credit: Propaganda

Klopp made 11 changes at half-time, bringing on a number of young players including wide forward Ben Woodburn and U18s captain Trent Alexander-Arnold.

It was the bright and incisive Alexander-Arnold who set up the Reds’ winner in the 79th minute, bursting forward towards the edge of the box before laying the ball into the path of Ings, who was captaining the Reds in the second half.

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After missing a number of good chances in the minutes preceding this opening, Ings powered the ball past former Everton goalkeeper Iain Turner to secure victory.

Adam Bogdan vs. Tranmere Rovers. Credit: Propaganda

Meanwhile, Turner’s opposite number, Adam Bogdan, had little more to do than pick the travelling supporters’ flares out of his penalty area.

Jurgen Klopp vs. Tranmere Rovers. Credit: Propaganda

The win will have left Klopp content, as he witnessed his produced a strong performance in what he deemed a glorified training session—with the German looking for his side to build their fitness ahead of 2016/17.

Next up for the Reds is a trip to take on Fleetwood Town at Highbury Stadium on July 13.

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