Dejan Lovren: It's tough, it's intensive, but it'll be worth it
Liverpool's 'intensive' pre-season regime may take some getting used to for this summer's new arrivals, but it'll be more than worth it in the long run, insists Dejan Lovren.
Since returning to training on July 2, the squad have been working hard in preparation for 2016-17 with multiple sessions in addition to a fixture list that will today take them to Wigan Athletic.
Nevertheless, Lovren feels all the gruelling work being done now will have long-term benefits for the Reds as they look to enjoy a fruitful forthcoming campaign.
“The lads who were with us last year and are here now know that it is always intensive with Jürgen's training sessions,” the defender told Liverpoolfc.com.
“I'm used to it and I think it's quite good because during the game it's intensive; it's not slow-motion. It's normal – you need power and strength and now is the time to work hard so it will be much easier during the season.
“Our bodies will be used to this intensive training. For now, everyone is fit, that's the good thing.”
Liverpool's last runout came against Fleetwood Town on Wednesday evening, when they cantered to a 5-0 victory.
Afterwards, Jürgen Klopp expressed the need for players to tell 'a little voice' in their heads telling them they're tired to 'shut up' when they begin to feel heavy legged as they go about reaching peak condition.
“Maybe in the 35th minute it was quite hard and legs were tired, but it happens,” Lovren smiles, when asked about the manager's quote.
“This is the point where you need to get through this hard time and when you are getting through the two or three minutes, it doesn't last long but it's quite hard. Everything is mentality and then you are a top player.”
Liverpool have added four new faces to their squad this summer in the shape of Loris Karius, Joel Matip, Sadio Mane and Marko Grujic – all of whom have figured in the friendlies so far.
Lovren insists there's no need for anyone within the squad to explain to them what it means to pull on the red jersey, but will personally be on hand to help them in their adaptation process.
He said: “You don't need to talk about that, they know which club they came to and they know what people expect from them. They also saw our games on television. So they know everything about the club, but we are here to help them adapt quicker. For now, they are doing really quite well.
“Every change is difficult in the beginning. I will help them make it easier, like people helped me when I came. It's normal – it's a process of helping each other.”
Watch Liverpool's pre-season friendly against Wigan Athletic live and exclusively on LFCTV and LFCTV GO from 3.30pm BST today. Click here for details.