Stevie hails phenomenal support
Steven Gerrard has expressed his gratitude to the phenomenal support Liverpool received during their tour of the USA as an estimated 200,000 supporters watched the Reds.
From their first port of call in Boston, to stops in Chicago, New York, Charlotte and Miami, Brendan Rodgers and his squad received incredible warmth from the people of America.
The captain insists the support for the club from all around the world is something that never ceases to amaze him.
"The support we have had over the past couple of weeks has been phenomenal as usual," said Gerrard.
Asked for his reaction to the estimated 200,000 supporters who watched the team, he added: "That many? That is staggering. You only have to go back to last year in Asia with the numbers [who came to watch us] as well, which just goes to show how big this football club is. It's down to the players to deliver over the season and try and make them happy with a trophy."
Reflecting on their involvement in the Guinness International Champions Cup, Gerrard insists he and the team have taken a lot from the trip as they get ready for the big kick-off against Southampton at Anfield on August 17.
He added: "The lads have been working hard and training well with all the work outs and the tests we have had the last couple of weeks. It will put us in good stead for the season, but of course it's still disappointing to finish the tour when you lose to Manchester United.
"We've been building and getting better as the games have gone on. For 55 minutes against United I thought we were very good, and then obviously we tired a lot and Manchester United made us pay.
"Second half aside [against United] the performance levels have been very high and playing better opposition in pre-season will certainly help us moving forward.
"But as a whole, the tour has been very positive and worthwhile. The lads are a lot fitter and sharper now and we will be ready for Southampton.
"The games we have played have been against high calibre opposition and have been a good test for the team. For the World Cup lads, we've only been back now maybe 14 or 15 days and we are starting to feel a little bit better.
"The other lads are obviously a little bit ahead of us, but in a couple of weeks' time we will all be up to speed and ready to get three points against Southampton."
Asked to name his personal highlight from the trip, the inspirational No.8 added: "I think it's just the support. Each year it seems to be growing. I've been around a long time but it still blows me away, so the support we have had has been a highlight and obviously the performances as well."