'The message at QPR? It's to begin quickly'
Liverpool will aim to recapture the blistering pace they regularly produced at the beginning of matches last season when they travel to Queens Park Rangers tomorrow, according to assistant manager Colin Pascoe.
As the Reds surged into a battle for the Barclays Premier League title in 2013-14, a pattern developed; Brendan Rodgers' side would launch into opponents from kick-off, often earning a healthy advantage to later preserve.
Something very similar is high on the list of objectives for Sunday's encounter at Loftus Road, where the travellers are targeting back-to-back victories in the division for the first time in this campaign.
"We always say 'start quickly and move the ball quickly'," explained Pascoe as he previewed the squad's return to domestic demands during a brief pause in preparations at Melwood.
"We've got pace at the top of the team and it's about moving the ball quickly and trying to get in behind them. Last season we did that a lot, coming out of the blocks.
"The way teams are sometimes set up, they are not so deep. But this year they seem to be a bit deeper and we are trying different things to accommodate that."
Harry Redknapp's team are currently propping up the Premier League table, having suffered five defeats in their opening seven fixtures since returning to the top flight of English football.
Nevertheless, Pascoe is anticipating a serious obstacle in London, highlighting how the Reds may have to mix patience going forward with an awareness of Rangers' threats to secure three points.
"It's a tough place to go and they will sort of want to get their season started," continued the Welshman in his assessment.
"They may set in and break on the counter-attack, so we have got to make sure we are set and ready for that. We've got to work the ball quickly at the right times and try to score early.
"I'm sure that they will want to do well, being at home, and try to take the initiative. If they sit in, then sometimes you have to be patient, move the ball quickly and then obviously take your chances when they come along."
On Liverpool's last visit to QPR, in December 2012, Pascoe temporarily assumed the managerial reins due to Rodgers being unwell - and the deputy oversaw a comprehensive 3-0 victory.
"That was a great day, getting the three points and the performance," he reflected, laughing as it was pointed out that his record in the dugout is therefore 100 per cent.
"There were a couple of people who weren't very well that day - including Jordan Henderson and I. It was remarkable that Jordan lasted as long as he did that day and he played very well. It was a great team performance."