Origi: Why we can surprise people this season
As Liverpool prepare to begin a new season, one player has insisted there is no reason why the big steps taken under Jürgen Klopp can't continue into 2016-17 to ensure it is a memorable campaign.
After reaching two cup finals last term, optimism surrounds the Reds as they start a first full season under Klopp, and Divock Origi is confident they are in great shape.
An away date with Arsenal on Sunday afternoon at the Emirates Stadium represents a tough start, but the Belgian believes there is a collective feeling among the whole squad that this could be a huge campaign.
“We want to achieve the highest [targets] possible,” Origi told Liverpoolfc.com.
“It’s never easy but we have to stick together as a team and as a club.
“We know there will be good moments [and] moments that will be more difficult, but eventually, if we stick together, if we have the same plan, the same ambition, the same hunger, and if every teammate tries to help each other, I think we will stand very strong.
“We have a very big group with very talented players and we have very good staff.
“Everything is there to do great things so we always have to keep hope and keep pushing until the end and if we do this I’m convinced we can surprise people this year.”
LFCTV GO subscribers can watch Origi's interview in full
Since returning from the Euros with Belgium, Origi has looked sharp in pre-season, netting brilliant goals against AC Milan and Barcelona.
And the No.27, who found the back of the net on 10 occasions in his first campaign with the club, insists he is firing on all cylinders and can’t wait for the big kick-off.
He added: “I’m feeling very good. I’m feeling sharp, I’m working very hard and I’m learning every day.
“I feel ready to start the season, whatever comes, and I have to stay fit and stay focused. I’m feeling good at this club and feeling good in this group.
“Every moment, day by day, I just try to maximise everything; if it’s training, if it’s recovery or game time, or opportunities to score.
“If you can do this, of course you reach big things, so that’s my goal this year: to be top on every level and try to be on a high level.
“We know it’s not that easy, especially as I’m on a learning process, so I just have to give everything I have got and see what it brings.
“I’ve always felt I’m a No.9. I can play alone up front and with another striker - even on the wing - but my strongest position is when I play as a No.9.
“The manager knows my qualities very well and he knows how to use me so my main aim is to help the team. Wherever I play I always try to help the team and score goals.”
As he tries to get himself in the best possible shape for the forthcoming campaign, Origi also revealed the extra work he has been putting in.
He said: “I have spent a lot of time in the gym. When I came here I used to watch the other players a lot and see how they were working in the gym and how they adapted to English football on and off the pitch.
“I tried to do the same and it had a lot of benefits for my daily living and from a mental aspect.”