Joe Gomez has warned there must be a significant improvement in Liverpool's defensive play if they want to add further honours to the European Super Cup.
Liverpool returned to Merseyside on Thursday afternoon after spending the night in Istanbul but there is no let-up in their relentless schedule as they face Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday on the south coast.
Jurgen Klopp is anxious about the demands that have been placed on his players already but he is also concerned by the way they have been leaking goals and opportunities: they have faced 40 shots so far in their opening three games, a figure that is more than double at the same stage last year.
Gomez, who was played out of position at right-back against Chelsea, was thrilled to have landed the second major honour of his career but, equally, he was also realistic and made it clear that Liverpool cannot afford to be as lax as they have been so far.
'There were a lot of things that we could have done better - on a personal note and as a team,' said Gomez.
'There were a few sloppy moments and we conceded two goals that could have been prevented. We didn't play our best football in the first half and we didn't get down to it properly.
'In phases, we had to dig in and we got the result. That's why we got so close to winning the Premier League last season, the fact that we got something even when we didn't have our best days. The manager, at the end, wanted a positive mind-set and told us: "come on - we can win this."
'You want to be at a big club like this to play in the biggest games and win the big trophies. That is our aim this year. We have the feeling that we are a top team and can win things. There is a belief in this squad and we want that to carry on.'
Few would suggest Liverpool played with fluency on Wednesday in what were stifling conditions but, equally, they had a resilience about them that suggested they would grind out a result and Gomez feels there has been a change in the dressing room's mentality.
'There is definitely a difference,' said Gomez. 'Winning and getting over the line is a characteristic of a big team. Getting results sets you apart. We are getting experience of being involved in occasions such as this and, hopefully, we will continue to use it.'
Virgil van Dijk echoed the sentiment and said: 'This is important for the progress of our team and development. Winning trophies is important for your mentality and you have to take every opportunity you get. We have the Club World Cup later in December - that is our next chance.'
Klopp has a number of fitness issues to monitor before Liverpool travel to the South Coast. James Milner left Vodafone Park with his left leg bandaged, while Naby Keita has a hip injury and is out. Brazil midfielder Fabinho suffered from cramp badly towards the end of the Super Cup final.
'We were very tired,' said Gomez. 'We are away then home and then gone again. But that's part and parcel of it all. We are very lucky (to be footballers) and we cannot complain. We have to put (Istanbul) behind us as quickly as possible.'
Trevorn
0
if u watch the match matip played better than van and just that he is underrated
Not just in that match only bro, I'm talking about throughout the whole season. They need another Mr.Reliable in defense.
ShayneEiseb
0
That's the reason why I have been suggesting that Klopp should sign another CB and sell either Matip, Lovren, Gomez. We need someone that can play with Van Dijk. For example De Vrij.
Jayrome
0
don't know why matip is very much underated, that has plays more than vvd in most important matches but all d bonuses goes to vvd. not cool at all
dannyenn
0
We need to be superior in both attack and defence. Mo Salah needs to work hard on his ball precisions just like Ruben and Messi. He is good but more is needed. The midfield and attack needs to be more aggressive to make the distinction and difference in terms of goals and point. inconsistency is not an option to be and to remain champions in England and in Europe.
rubbeort
0
I agree with this article. Van Dijik alone can't carry Liverpool's defenders every match. He needs another great player like himself by his side to give him assistance. I would suggest them going for Koulibaly from Napoli?
if u watch the match matip played better than van and just that he is underrated
aromona
0
More defence pls
Tucdlou
1
I like the new mentality in the dressing room, getting over the line....Winning trophies is better than playing good football during every finals...Allez! Allez!....
Trevorn
4
I agree with this article. Van Dijik alone can't carry Liverpool's defenders every match. He needs another great player like himself by his side to give him assistance. I would suggest them going for Koulibaly from Napoli?
XxkingXx789
2
also midfield needs improvement
podadelnt
3
Best for liverpool
sudciklny
1
Good win Liverpool