Liverpool defender reveals how hard you have to work in a Jurgen Klopp team

Lovren had struggled for form and confidence under Brendan Rodgers, but is now a key player

DEJAN LOVREN believes Liverpool are "living football 24 hours a day" under Jurgen Klopp and credits a new-found work ethic as the reason behind their upturn in fortunes.

 

One of Klopp's first decisions after succeeding Brendan Rodgers was to cancel much of the time off his squad had been expecting as he sought to implement his own methods.

A high-octane tactical approach was evident in the 4-1 dismantling of Manchester City on Saturday and, as Liverpool seek to make strides in Europe, too, against Bordeaux tonight, Lovren provided an insight into the galvanising effect the manager has had on the players' everyday outlook.

Lovren suggested there was renewed focus from both himself and his team-mates on being a professional footballer, first and foremost, in the acknowledgement they will go on to reap the rewards.

 

"Of course the manager had a big influence on the team and everyone has that (confidence) and every one of the players has changed a little bit their opinion of football," said the Croatian centre-back.

"We are like he said, we need to live 24 hours with football and the job and everything and it will be payback for us on the pitch.

"It is much easier (to be a defender) now because we are working much harder than before and we are - I would say - playing like a team now with everyone feeling comfortable."

 

Klopp has cancelled much of the time off scheduled by Rodgers

Klopp offered an indication of his exacting standards by describing the eye-catching victory over City as having "brilliant moments, but far, far, far from perfect" and it is the thought of where he can take Liverpool that is so enticing.

Lovren will partner Kolo Toure in defence - both will make their 50th appearances for the club - and having found a route back into the team following Mamadou Sakho's injury he knows the importance of making the most of his latest opportunity.

"Every player is important in the team, Sakho of course, but I did not come here to be on the bench," he said. "I came here to be a standard player of Liverpool. There is no more pressure. I need to go step by step and the game will talk about me.

"He (Klopp) is always behind the team and the players are behind him. Your games will talk about you and, at the end, the manager decides. No-one will guarantee you a place in the first XI."

Liverpool will qualify for the Europa League's knock-out stages with a win, or a goalless draw, against a Bordeaux side, who were held to a 1-1 in the opening game of Group B when Rodgers was still in charge.

 

The French are 13th in Ligue One and their only away victory in all competitions since March 7 came against AEK Larnaca in the second qualifying round for the competition back in August. It means Liverpool will be hopeful of securing what would be only a fourth win at Anfield inside 90-minutes in 11 attempts this term with Klopp unlikely to start Daniel Sturridge.

Sturridge has stepped up his training following a knee injury but his wait to start under Klopp for the first time is likely to continue.

"He is closer," said Klopp, who is without Martin Skrtel because of illness. "We have to try to bring him in a situation where he can feel okay."

Lucas Leiva is likely to start given a suspension means the in-form midfielder is absent against Swansea this weekend.

Liverpool: Mignolet; Clyne, Toure, Lovren, Moreno; Milner, Lucas, Allen; Ibe, Firmino; Benteke.

TV TIMES: BT Sport Europe kick-off: 8.05pm.