Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has re-iterated the importance of the Community Shield, as they face Premier League champions Manchester City with the first trophy of the season up for grabs.
The German is hoping his FA Cup-winning side can hit the ground running against City, the team who pipped them to the Premier League title by just one point last season.
'It's very important. We have played this 'final' a couple of times. It would be nice if we could win it. It's the last domestic cup we haven't won.'
Due to the early start to the campaign, Klopp admits he has not had enough time in pre-season to do all the work he would have liked.
Because of that, the Reds are to play another friendly after the Community Shield and then another friendly will be arranged for after the opening Premier League game against Fulham on August 6.
Klopp said: 'We have to extend our pre-season, if you like, into the season. We have a friendly on Sunday with Strasbourg, then Fulham, then a game after that.
More to follow...