Liverpool ‘hunger’ is back, says Rodgers

The Reds have made an unbeaten start to their Premier League season after three games, with 1-0 victories coming against Stoke and Bournemouth, as well as a 0-0 draw at Arsenal on Monday.
The club followed up their impressive second-place finish in the 2013/14 season by finishing sixth last campaign, with pressure mounting on both Rodgers and the club as a whole.
But the Northern Irishman believes the “hunger has returned” to the side, who have been putting in extra practice on the training pitch in order to remedy a previously problematic defence.
“The hunger has returned back into the team,” he told reporters. “That freshness and ability to play with no fear. New players are here with new ambition.
“There’s been a lot of work done on the training ground and in analysing in this room to change the mentality.
“We are doing extra sessions on every aspect of our defending. We are putting in an awful lot of work.”
Rodgers reserved particular praise for defensive mainstays Joe Gomez and Nathaniel Clyne, who have impressed at left-back and right-back so far.
Gomez, an 18-year-old signed from Championship Charlton in the summer, has been impressive despite left-back not being his natural position, and Rodgers says “there is a lot more to come” from his new signing.
“He’s probably playing in his third best position in back four. He’s a centre-back.
“Joe is a wonderful athlete and has also got a very good football brain. He has a very good personality, very humble.
“Clyne has been outstanding. He’s the best English right-back. He has slotted in with so much ease. He wants to improve himself.”
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s clash with West Ham on Saturday, Rodgers spoke with caution despite the London side losing their last two games, believing the Hammers will provide the Reds’ toughest opponents of their opening matches.
“West Ham at home will be our toughest game of the four. They had an excellent result away (at Arsenal).
“If you want to be fighting at the top end of the table your home form is vital.”
Rodgers finished with a word on striker Daniel Sturridge, who has been sidelined since April and has a history of troublesome injury problems.
The England star has reportedly been pencilled in for a return against Manchester United in the first game after the international break, but Rodgers says there is “no timeline” for the 25-year-old’s return.
“He’s come back from America. He looks well. We will take it week on week. There’s no pressure.”