Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge insists everyone at the club has overcome the heartbreak of last season.
The Reds were in the hunt to end a title drought dating back to 1990 right until the end only for a defeat at home to Chelsea and a draw at Crystal Palace to hand the initiative to Manchester City, who went on to pip them by two points.
It was a devastating end to a campaign which for the majority of the last two months had the feeling that the club was on the verge of something extra special. That made the final denouement all the more soul-destroying but Sturridge stressed the squad had put that behind them.
“We were heartbroken at the end of last season but we are refreshed this season and mentally ready for a long season, again especially with the Champions League,” he said.
“That is something I can’t wait to play in and the players can’t wait to play in. It took a while (to get over the disappointment). It is not easy to get over things like that but everyone is over that now and we look forward to the future and bringing success to the club.”
While Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Southampton on Sunday was far from impressive they are at least off and running but following the £75million (Dh460m) departure of Luis Suarez to Barcelona their chances of finishing in the top four never mind mounting another challenge had been written off by many critics.
It is not a concern for Sturridge or his team-mates and the England striker said they were not reading too much into their first performance.
“It is very early on in the season to be making predictions of who is going to win the league and who are going to be the top four. The manager has made great signings and we look forward to the future and having a successful season because everyone is hungry,” he said.