Lovren: A winning start so important
Dejan Lovren is sure that Liverpool have the capabilities to qualify from the group stage of the Champions League as the defender prepares for the upcoming challenge of 'something different' in Europe with his new club.
While the Reds are about to return to the tournament after five years away, the robust Croatian arrived at Anfield earlier this summer with experience of the elite competition already on his CV from his time with French contenders Lyon.
Brendan Rodgers' team have been drawn in Group B alongside holders Real Madrid, FC Basel and Ludogorets Razgrad, who are the visitors to Merseyside on Tuesday evening for the opening round of fixtures.
Lovren cannot wait to witness the atmosphere of a European occasion at Anfield and, though he stressed the need for concentration, the centre-back also expressed his confidence in the side's chances of success in the section.
"It's a pleasure to be back in the Champions League for everyone, after five years," he commented at a pre-match press conference from the home ground on Monday afternoon.
"The Champions League is the Champions League - it's a big part of football. It's not the same thing to play for Lyon in the Champions League and for Liverpool. I know Liverpool is a bigger club.
"In front of the crowd, it will be something different than the Premier League, especially at home. It will be a massive game. We just need to concentrate and be calm, and to play our game.
"We want success in the Champions League. I would not say we have an easy group but I'm sure that we can pass through the group.
"The most important thing is to win the first game then after it will be much easier if you start the Champions League with three points. The most important thing is to pass through the group and afterwards we will see what will happen."
Upon completing the capture of Lovren from Southampton during the summer transfer window, Rodgers notably highlighted the leadership qualities possessed by the 25-year-old.
The No.6 himself accepted that there is further room for improvement in that department but hopes to utilise his past experiences to help Liverpool compete at the highest level.
He continued: "I played 21 games in the Champions League and I know what can happen. It's something different to the Premier League.
"I haven't played in the Champions League for the last two years but I'm ready to play in the Champions League and I can't wait to start.
"I'm 25 and I need to improve in every game as a person and a player. I'm giving my best, that's the most important thing. With time and games, it will come.
"It's not easy to lead all of the time but I have the confidence in myself and I'm ready for it."
The Reds were on the wrong end of a frustrating 1-0 scoreline when they welcomed Aston Villa to Anfield in the Barclays Premier League at the weekend.
An early scramble inside the defensive area allowed Gabriel Agbonlahor to force in a finish that proved to be the winner and Lovren later bemoaned as an 'easy goal'.
Today he insisted that such disappointments can be eradicated in the weeks and months to come as a squad heavily bolstered by new recruits gels together.
"It's the start of the season and we have had tough games," he said. "Of course, we need to improve in every game to be better defensively together.
"But I'm not worried - I'm really confident in our team. We are practically a new team with a lot of new players, but everything will settle down in the next few games.
"Of course, everyone wants to not concede any goals, but it's football. Anything can happen. We need to move on. With games, you can get better and better. We are ready."