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Brendan Rodgers is confident that Liverpool’s tour of America will prove to be a launchpad for a season of success.

The Reds touched down at John Lennon Airport on Tuesday after a gruelling 16-day trip which saw them play five matches in Boston, Chicago, New York, Charlotte and Miami in front of around 240,000 fans.

Their stay Stateside, which ended in defeat to Manchester United in the final of the International Champions Cup, showcased the club’s massive global appeal and the array of commercial opportunities in a nation where the sport’s popularity is blossoming.

The manager insists Liverpool’s involvement in the lucrative tournament will also benefit them on the pitch over the coming months.

“I think the players and the staff have been magnificent,” Rodgers told the ECHO.

“There’s been a lot of travelling but we’ve been able to get a lot of great work in.

“The facilities have been excellent and we’ve played five games against very good opposition.

“The players have got fitter and stronger and it’s been great for the new boys to settle in with the group.

“We’ve obviously got a few players to come back but we’re on course for where we need to be for the first Premier League game against Southampton.

“The players will rest and recover for a few days and then we’ll get back into it towards the end of the week to prepare for a big game against Borussia Dortmund at Anfield on Sunday.”

After a warm-up defeat to Roma at Fenway Park, the Reds overcame the challenge of Olympiacos, Manchester City and AC Milan to top their group before letting Louis Van Gaal’s United off the hook in the final at the Sun Life Stadium.

Steven Gerrard’s penalty fired Rodgers’ side in front after Raheem Sterling had been hacked down by Phil Jones.

The Reds were good value for their lead and should have increased their advantage.

Philippe Coutinho was thwarted by a fine save from David De Gea before they were wrongly denied a second spot-kick after Ander Herrera clipped Sterling’s heels.

United simply couldn’t handle the pace, power and trickery of Sterling, who was the Reds’ standout performer in the States by some distance.

“I thought he was outstanding, a real threat,” Rodgers said. “Raheem is tactically aware for such a young player and is so exciting to watch.

“When he runs at defenders he creates many opportunities. At 19 years of age he is a real talent and is getting better all the time.”

The tour was less memorable for Rickie Lambert, whose wait for a first Liverpool goal goes on following his £4million move from Southampton.

The 32-year-old saw his penalty saved against AC Milan and then missed a glorious chance against United early in the second half.

Lambert side-footed tamely at De Gea after Gerrard’s surging run and pass had put it on a plate for him.

The big frontman worked tirelessly and must be cut some slack as he adjusts to his new surroundings but the club’s need for more firepower is crystal clear.

With Fabio Borini still likely to move on, some high quality back-up for Daniel Sturridge, who returned home early with a minor hamstring injury, is urgently required if the Reds are serious about a title challenge.

“I think with Rickie it’s just the adaptation period of coming into a new club,” Rodgers said.

“There are new pressures and he’s still getting his fitness. A lot has happened to Rickie in a short period of time – moving his family up, travelling away, getting used to the players and how we work.

“I have no doubts about Rickie. He knows he’s not going to play every week but he will play a specific role for us in certain games. I’m sure he will do that really well.”

Coutinho was outstanding and looks like a man in the mood to take out his World Cup frustration on Premier League defenders.

A trademark defence-splitting pass from the Brazilian magician released Sterling, whose strike was deflected just wide.

There was nothing friendly about this contest as the challenges thundered in from both sides. United were being comprehensively outplayed before the game was transformed by two goals in as many minutes just before the hour mark.

Wayne Rooney got away from Martin Skrtel at the back post to volley home and then Juan Mata’s strike took a wicked deflection off Mamadou Sakho to leave Simon Mignolet helpless.

Thankfully, defensive reinforcements are on the way. Centre-back Dejan Lovren, who couldn’t join the tour due to visa issues, will link up with the squad at Melwood later this week following his £20million switch from Southampton.

Right-back Javier Manquillo is also set to complete his loan move from Atletico Madrid, while Liverpool are close to wrapping up a £16million deal for Sevilla left-back Alberto Moreno.

The arrival of two new full-backs will inevitably lead to questions about the futures of Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique, but Rodgers insists his priority is merely improving the amount of options available to him.

Enrique missed the United game with a tight hamstring but should be available to face Dortmund on Sunday.

“Dejan Lovren is a very talented defender and a leader on the field and we’ll look forward to starting work with him,” Rodgers said.

“As for the full-back areas, it’s more about depth really. We needed reinforcements and hopefully we can achieve that before the start of the sea son.”

Having fallen behind, Liverpool never looked like restoring parity. They ran out of gas and were finished off by Jesse Lingard’s effort late on.

“In the first half we were very dangerous and pressed the ball really well,” Rodgers said. “We got ourselves into some really good positions and deservedly went in

front.

“We probably should have had another penalty to make it 2-0. We were comfortable in the game with good possession and control.

“We looked a threat but then we conceded a poor goal and then quickly conceded a second and the momentum changed in the game.

“Overall the tournament has been a big success for us. We know where we need to improve for the start of the Premier League.”