LEE: PLAYERS ITCHING TO GET STARTED
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N160571080718-1225.htmPaul Hassall in Switzerland 18 July 2008
Sammy Lee admits he is desperate for the new season to get under way and believes the players are already making good progress in their preparations for the big kick-off.
The Reds coach has been impressed by the squad's attitude during the early stages of pre-season and is confident Liverpool will be in top shape when they get their Barclays Premier League campaign up and running at Sunderland on August 16.
Speaking at the club's training camp in Switzerland he told Liverpoolfc.tv just how the squad are adapting to their surroundings in the quaint town of Interlaken.
"It's a wonderful climate for us," he said. "It's not too warm and it's perfect conditions for training.
"The boys are applying themselves very, very well and the facilities are fantastic. The hotel is excellent, the playing surface is terrific as well and it's always nice to change the environment and the players appreciate that.
"But although it's great to be here I think you are always itching for the season to start. The players are the same and they can't wait to get under way.
"You'll see that as we get closer to the big kick off it become more and more intense and we are all looking forward to the new season with terrific optimism."
The Reds followed up last weekend's win at Tranmere with a narrow 2-1 victory over Lucerne and while Lee admits fitness and preparation are the most important part of the pre-season, he feels a club like Liverpool should be looking to succeed in every match they play - no matter who the opposition are.
"Pre-season is primarily all to do with fitness but I think when you play for Liverpool football club and when you wear that shirt on the pitch, the result is always important," he said.
"You don't want to go anywhere and get beaten. You saw against Lucerne the support we had so it is important we get results because this business is all about results even at this stage.
"But we do have other objectives; like working on fitness, tactical awareness, getting the understanding between players and ensuring the members of the squad all get playing minutes under their belts.
"The camp also helps the new players to gain an understanding of what is required when the important games do start."
Lee was brought back to the club as Assistant Manager back in May and although he has only been working alongside Rafael Benitez for a few months he has already struck up a strong relationship with the Reds boss.
"We are trying to develop and hopefully that will evolve over the years," he said. "But he is a great person to work with and as I've said before his attention to detail is fantastic.
"I feel privileged to be back at Liverpool. They're a great bunch of lads, the backroom staff are brilliant and everyone around the club has been superb. They make it really easy for people to slot in.
"Only time will tell but hopefully the experiences I've had over the past four or five years will put me in good stead to help the club.
He added: "I'm already on record saying that we have to believe we can be, not as good as, but better than the others top teams. If we don't have that objective then we shouldn't be here.
"I'm not making any rash promises but we need to have that belief because Liverpool Football Club doesn't accept second best. "But rest assured, everyone is working tirelessly to get where we believe we should be."
Hope we can win the title. The bold words are the most important 'cos thats in the heart of are legends!!!!!
