Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian has revealed why he chose to undertake extra training sessions at Melwood last week.
Despite the Reds not being in action due to the international break, the stopper opted to remain at the club's training base instead of taking time away like the rest of the Liverpool squad that wasn't called up to their respective national sides.
Signed on the eve of the new season, the former West Ham man has enjoyed a frantic start to his life on Merseyside.
Originally joining as back-up to Alisson Becker following Simon Mignolet's move to Club Brugge, Adrian quickly found himself as his side's No.1 after Becker picked up a calf injury in Liverpool’s opening match of the Premier League season at home to Norwich.
Since then, the shot-stopper has enjoyed UEFA Super Cup success, as well as helping Jurgen Klopp's side make it four wins from four in the Premier League.
“I had no pre-season with the team so I needed a few more training [sessions] to keep fit,” the Reds' No.13 told Liverpoolfc.com when asked why he opted to remain at Melwood.
“Also, I had a small injury in my ankle after the Super Cup so I needed to recover well and be ready for September, which is really busy for us.
“It was great. It was very important to have a few training [sessions] to feel 100 per cent fit. It’s training with a different mind, more relaxed with the goalkeeper coach talking about goalkeeping positions and our philosophy with the style of play.
“There was so much great information for me.”
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The Reds are back in action on Saturday lunchtime when they welcome Newcastle United to Anfield, with the game the first of seven in a 21 day period for Klopp's men, but Adrian has warned his side they must not underestimate everyone.
He said: “Maybe no-one expected their result against Spurs away. So they will come to Anfield to try to win the three points.
“But we have a good squad, a good team and we are preparing really well this week. We have enough time, the international players are coming [back]. So we are ready to fight for three points at Anfield and to win it.
“We need to go step by step. The first one is Newcastle in the Premier League, we have to win three points at home in front of our fans. After that, the Champions League; after that, another Premier League game; after that, the cup.
“We need to make small steps but the first one is Newcastle and that is the most important.”
