Kenny encouraged by start
Kenny Dalglish admits he's been encouraged by Liverpool's start to 2011-12 and called upon his players to maintain their early-season momentum against Stoke City today.
The Reds have picked up seven points from their opening three Barclays Premier League matches, turning in a series of eye-catching attacking displays.
Liverpool return to action following the international break at the Britannia Stadium this afternoon - and Dalglish is eager for his charges to pick up where they left off.
The boss told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It's been encouraging. The lads have had their reward and plenty of plaudits for their display against Bolton, and rightly so.
"We now go to Stoke and it's a different type of game. We know what we have to face. Tony Pulis has done a fantastic job there, getting them into Europe this year which was a huge bonus for them.
"It's a different challenge for us and one we've got to step up to the plate for.
"We'll always respect the opposition, whether it's Stoke or anyone else - but we'll always put ourselves first and make sure we get ourselves going and try to get our game going better than theirs.
"That's really what it all boils down to. If we get a result, we'll have had to work hard to get it."
While content with our start to the season, Dalglish admits he's been most pleased by the efforts of his players overall rather than any one particular aspect.
"I've been pleased since we came in here," he said. "The attitude of the players in training and how they've gone about their work has been superb, and it's a great credit to them how they've represented the football club. Their efforts have been very good.
"The harder you try, the more successful you'll be, I think."
Like Liverpool, Stoke are also unbeaten so far this season and have the onset of their Europa League campaign to look forward to later this month.
The Reds are without a win at the Britannia Stadium since an emphatic 8-0 League Cup victory in November 2000 - and Dalglish knows his men will be in for a tough test.
He said: "It's going to be difficult for us. They've got their own style of play which is really suited to them. It's the way they want to play and there are no rules that tell you you can only play football one way.
"There are a set of laws there that everyone has to adhere to, but there are plenty of styles - and their style has been really successful for them. It's a great credit to Tony Pulis and the people at Stoke that they've had the success they have."