Henderson: We won't be thinking about it
Jordan Henderson insists Liverpool will be firmly focused on the job in hand at the Britannia Stadium today – and won’t be dwelling on any lingering memories of what unfolded on their last visit.
The Reds were beaten 6-1 by Stoke City on the final day of last season - a game in which they found themselves five goals down at half-time.
A quirk of fate means they’ll kick off the new campaign at the Britannia, but Henderson is adamant that the memories of May's clash with the Potters won't be in his teammates' minds.
Henderson: Reds ready for Stoke test
The captain told Liverpoolfc.com: “It’s about forgetting about that game and concentrating on what we want to achieve this season.
“We’ve got new players, a new team and it’s a new start, so we’ve just got to put that to the back of our minds and focus on this season.
“We want to start well and positively, and it’ll be a big test for us going to Stoke because they’re a good team and it’s a hard place to go. But if we can go there and show what we’ve shown in pre-season, I think we can get a good result.”
Henderson will be tasked with ensuring the mindset of the players is a positive one in the lead up to kick-off as part of his role as Reds skipper.
“I think it is part of my job – especially taking the responsibility on of making sure we’re going onto the pitch in a positive frame of mind,” he continued.
“But again, the players that have come in weren’t there last season, so that shouldn’t be a problem. We’re professionals and we’ve just got to go there and do our job properly.
“We’ve got to focus on the positives, keep pushing to try and win as many games as possible and start well.”
Henderson knows from personal experience how advantageous a strong start to a campaign can be having been part of the Liverpool side that won their opening three fixtures in 2013-14.
“It’s really important,” he said. “The start is vital because it can give you the momentum to start building into the midway point of the season. If you can get early momentum with a good start, it gives you an advantage.
“Every team will want to start well. You’ve got to make sure you’re giving everything and if you’re doing that, it’s all you can ask for.
“We’ve got some good games at the start of the season and if we can get some good results, it’ll stand us in good stead for the rest of the season.”
With seven new arrivals and a good pre-season programme behind them, Henderson feels Liverpool are well placed to shake off the disappointments of last term and enjoy a fruitful campaign.
He stated: “I believe it can be a very big season for us – very successful – because of the players we’ve got. But at the same time, it’s no good me just sitting here and saying that – we’ve got to make sure we’re doing the work behind the scenes in training and then putting that out on the pitch and doing the business.
“We’ll have to do our talking on the pitch and if we do that, then hopefully come the end of the season it’ll have been a successful one.”