Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has warned his players they face a rigorous pre-season as he focuses on producing "a fitter, stronger" side for the new season.
The European champions were forced back into training on Monday as a consequence of their
Champions League final victory over AC Milan just over a month ago.
Liverpool were granted special dispensation by UEFA to defend the trophy despite their fifth-placed finish in last season's Premiership being only enough to qualify for the UEFA Cup.
The flip side for Benitez is that his players must now start their season in 15 days' time with a first-round qualifying tie against Welsh champions TNS at Anfield.
It means a 10-month season looms for the Reds, yet their manager is promising no let-up early on as he is eager to ensure his players are not found wanting when it comes to stamina.
"We need to train harder at the start and change the culture of pre-season here," he insisted in the
Liverpool Echo. "If we sign new players after today, they will have to start afresh.
"But I want all the players to show the right mentality from the very beginning of pre-season and this will make it easier for them throughout the rest of the year.
"I'm sure you will see a fitter, stronger
Liverpool this season," Benitez promised as he seeks to build on last season's success and produce a team capable of consistently challenging for honours.
