Dejan Lovren believes Liverpool have come a long way since their Europa League victory over Manchester United last season, but feels one key element remains the same.

The Reds claimed one of the most notable successes of Jürgen Klopp's maiden campaign at the helm as they defeated the Red Devils 3-1 on aggregate over two legs of the clubs' first ever European meeting.

Those fixtures - particularly the decisive 1-1 draw at Old Trafford - will no doubt be at the forefront of the Liverpool players' minds as they return to Manchester on Sunday for a Premier League encounter with their old rivals.

Hopes for another memorable result will be high, with Lovren certain United will play host to a much-improved team to that which secured progress in the Europa League last term.

One thing that hasn't changed, however, is the winning mentality in the Reds' squad, according to the Croatia international.

"[Since] last season, we learned something new every day from the manager, his ideas," said Lovren.

"It's almost the same squad today, maybe a few players changed, but I would say [with] the same mentality - the winning mentality that we want.

"We need to just improve every game and learn from our mistakes before."

Lovren has faith in the manager's ability to inspire his squad to victory over Jose Mourinho's men, though he insists motivation is not in short supply among his teammates.

"We are [approaching] every game differently but he knows what he wants in these kinds of games, the big games," the centre-back continued.

"We have a good talk before the game with him and he doesn't need to motivate us, but with some kind of words he touches us in the heart. 

"In these derbies, you are ready to fight for everything.

"[Klopp is] a big part of the team, he's one of the key people here."

Hear more from Lovren in our special big-game feature in the new episode of #LFCWORLD, available on demand for LFCTV GO subscribers above, which also includes a chat with rising local boxing star Robbie Davies Jnr. Click here to sign up.