Liverpool's dominance of the Premier League this season is just the start – because Jurgen Klopp knows how to keep his stars hungry.
Dejan Lovren has revealed the Anfield club can create a dynasty that hits new heights over the next few years.
Lovren, who has been on Merseyside for all of Klopp’s reign, has likened tasting success to having a delicious meal... you want to try it again and again.
Liverpool are champions-elect, holding a 25-point lead when football was shut-down due to the coronavirus crisis.
Klopp’s side have already won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA club World Cup.
And they bounced back from finishing runners up in the league last season with 97 points, to dominate the suspended campaign.
Lovren says it is just the start. “We didn’t stop work, that’s the main point – we stayed hungry. This is what he brought to us. We are always hungry and will stay hungry.
“Once you try a good meal, you want to try it again – you don’t stop. This is what is pushing us. We want to show to everyone what we are capable of.
“The core of the team is here, starting from the manager – he did a great job here from the beginning. He showed everyone that he has the abilities and the skills and he knows how to manage the team in bad moments and in good moments.”
Lovren says Liverpool have got the perfect blend in their squad, with emerging stars and experienced campaigners.
He added: “It’s important to have a mix between really young players, the middle [age] players and the experienced players. I think we have it, this is the great balance.
“We are used to playing big finals and the big games, and we know how to manage it. Even when we are 1-0 down we know what to do. This is why it’s important to have a balance in the team.
“If we keep the important players and the core of the team here for many years, we will only grow.”
For now, though, Liverpool stars are keeping fit at home using personalised exercise plans, to be in shape for a mini pre-season and a potential restart of the Premier League on June 8.
The Croatian has some advice for fans feeling worried by the current pandemic crisis.
“It’s a tough moment for everyone. It’s not an easy moment for us personally; we are not used to it, nobody was used to this and nobody was prepared.
“The only thing we can do is stay at home and listen to the advice of the government to reduce the problems even more. Everyone knows how the NHS is working hard for us, so we should appreciate the people on the frontline.
“Stay home and stay positive, stay healthy because we need to keep our nerves. Of course, there will be a moment when everything will come back together as normal. Stay positive, that’s what I would say to the fans.”
