'It's a pity we didn't get the win but we played well'
Nathaniel Clyne refused to get too downhearted after Liverpool's first game of their tour of the United States ended in a 3-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
Instead, the defender preferred to focus on what was a strong performance despite the result, and more important minutes in the legs for Jürgen Klopp's squad.
The Reds took the lead in Charlotte as Virgil van Dijk emphatically headed home an Andy Robertson cross, but were pegged back in the second half when Christian Pulisic converted a penalty.
And, despite Klopp's side dominating much of the remainder of the match, they were undone late on when Pulisic struck a second and Jacob Bruun Larsen sealed the result.
Reflecting on the game, Clyne told Liverpoolfc.com: "It was another good test for us out there, a pre-season friendly, and it was a good run-out.
"I thought we played really well, considering the heat. It was a pity we didn’t get the win but it’s OK, it’s a friendly and we move on to the next game.
"We probably could have taken more chances but we were definitely the better side and in the second half they got back into it and they managed to finish off their chances.
"It’s another game and it’s all about getting fitness. Everyone looks fitter and we are getting sharper and we are looking forward to the next game now."
Clyne is aiming to put an injury-hit 2017-18 behind him at Anfield this term, having featured in just five games last season due to a back problem.
The 27-year-old has played a full part in preparations for the new campaign thus far, and is doing all he can to earn a starting place when West Ham United visit Anfield on August 12.
He added: "It feels good to be back on the field. I’m feeling as fit as ever, I’m feeling stronger and I’m just ready to keep getting more minutes and prove that I’m good enough to get myself back in the team.
"All the players out there [want] to play and get themselves into that starting line-up for the first game of the season against West Ham United, and that’s what I’m trying to do and everyone is trying to do."