Henderson: Reds' togetherness has been key to good start
Jordan Henderson believes the togetherness shown by the Liverpool squad off the pitch has played a big part in what has been an encouraging start to the new campaign.
Jürgen Klopp has fostered a strong team spirit during his first 12 months in charge at Anfield and, on the evidence of the early stages of the season, the Reds' summer signings appear to have quickly bought into that.
Henderson has revealed that the bonds between the players were strengthened during the club's pre-season tour of the United States.
And the captain has no doubts that this is paying dividends on the pitch so far.
"In the summer, there we quite a few additions to the group," he told the December issue of the club's official magazine.
"You are with each other every day when you are away on pre-season and one of the things we worked on was the team spirit.
"This is a great group, we all get on very well. I think having that togetherness away from the pitch is a big part of being a team.
"If you have that, it definitely means that you are better prepared to go on the pitch and fight for each other. And I expect that spirit, that bond, to get even better the more time we all spend working together."
It isn't just the atmosphere in the Reds dressing room that has emboldened Henderson, either.
The midfielder also sees the physical qualities, commitment, and technical ability required for a successful season on a daily basis at Melwood.
All that is required to supplement this potent mix, he insists, is the advice of the world-class team of coaches overseeing preparations.
"I look around this group and I see a lot of young and talented players," he continued.
"They are fit physically and can do everything that we need them to do. I think all of the lads are looking really strong and that's vital because it's a big part of how we want to play.
"It's not just about fitness, though. We have huge amounts of talent to go with that.
"Technique, pace, power: it's all there in this group of players. We just need to keep listening to what the manager and his staff are saying in each session and then do what they demand on the weekend.
"I feel if we do that we'll be successful."