Programme notesJürgen Klopp: We know from experience that hope drives us on

Liverpool return to Anfield for the first time in nearly three months as AFC Bournemouth visit for a 3pm BST kick-off in the Premier League.

• Pick up your copy of the matchday programme at Anfield today or order online here

The boss writes: "If there is a day when we should be excited by the possibilities, it is today.

"There are no guarantees and nothing can or will be taken for granted, but my view on what lies ahead is always the same at this stage of the season: we should absolutely look forward to what the future holds because nothing else makes sense.

"Hope is part of what we do and at this club especially it is part of who we are. We have to have hope in our hearts. That is a responsibility that we all share. And we know from experience that hope is one of the things that drives us on.

"There is no need for predictions or for anyone to look too far ahead, but we should share a belief that together we can find the kind of improvement that we are looking for.

"I know this is sometimes easier for me. I see the boys on the training ground most days. I see the work they are doing. I see their desire to get better. I also see and feel the work that is happening around us, the contributions of so many people who would give anything to see Liverpool FC push on.

"All of this information – and more besides – is why I have said already that I love this team. It is young, full of excitement and full of joy.

"Of course, I would be the first to say that there is still work to be done – a lot of work. We know this and we embrace it. But even this has to be part of the excitement because there are not many things in football that are more enjoyable than going on a journey from where you are to where you want to be. Again, we know this because we have experienced it.

"Pre-season was tough but really, really positive. I cannot speak highly enough of the new players who have come in and settled in quicker than anyone could have expected. I do not need to speak too much about their qualities because you will already be aware of them, but as people I could not have asked more of them in terms of the way they have integrated not just into the squad, but into the whole club.

"On a similar note, the players who have been here for longer have immediately returned to the work-ethic which we have come to expect of them at the same time as dealing with the changes that have occurred. For new players to feel at home, it always requires the existing players to make them feel welcome and this has happened in abundance.

"As well as the incomings, the other big change has been the players who have left the club during the summer. I will always be grateful for the farewell that Naby, Ox, Millie and Bobby were given at the end of last season, but the timings of the departures of Hendo and Fabinho means this has not yet been possible for them.

"When the time is right, this is something that we should look to put right because one of the things that this club is really, really good at is acknowledging the contributions of those who have made a difference.

"In the case of Hendo and Fab, they both made a big, big difference and were a crucial part of everything that we have achieved so although I always want us to be looking ahead, we should also find an opportunity to show our appreciation for those who helped us in the past."

• Pick up your copy of the matchday programme at Anfield today or order online here