'I'm up for the challenge'
Maxi Rodriguez believes Liverpool's transfer business can steer the club towards a bright future - and revealed he's prepared for the fight of trying to hold down a regular starting berth.
The Reds have been busy this summer, recruiting Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Alexander Doni, Stewart Downing and Jose Enrique to significantly bolster the ranks for 2011-12.
While Maxi acknowledges the new arrivals will provide further competition for places in the side, he's ready to rise to the challenge.
"Healthy competition is always good," said the Argentina forward.
"Competition for places is always a positive thing for the club and I think it's great that the signings who have arrived are of such high quality with a great level of skills and technique.
"It means the manager has to decide what he thinks is his best 11 but that is something he will decide and we will all be hoping we are in it.
"It's always nice to welcome new faces to the club and you always go out of your way to make them feel as comfortable as possible. They are settling in well."
Liverpool kicked-off the new campaign with a 1-1 draw against Sunderland at Anfield on Saturday.
Arsenal are up next for the Reds at the Emirates this weekend, and Maxi knows a solid start can go a long way to determining the outcome of Kenny Dalglish's side's season.
"I don't think you can stress enough the importance of the first few weeks of the season," he said.
"If you can see yourself near the top of the table it's great and the confidence that gives helps you grow as a team and as a squad.
"It also means that the teams you are facing will maybe come to Anfield with a different attitude, perhaps showing more respect when they're coming to play against you.
"I think at the start of any season your ultimate goal is to win the league and to come out as champions.
"If you can aim to achieve that then by the very fact that you are fighting for the title it will almost guarantee that you will be involved in the Champions League the following season.
"A team like Liverpool has to be battling on that level and have those kind of aspirations for the season."
Liverpool's opening game in the NextGen Series against Sporting Lisbon will be live on LFC TV and LFC TV Online from 6.30pm BST tonight. Click here to sign up to watch online>>