In some quarters, the response to Liverpool’s low key summer has been so negative, you’d be forgiven for thinking last season ended disastrously.

A gloom amongst some of their fans - derived largely from a lack of transfer activity - has settled on a series of friendlies that has seen mixed results in the absence of most of their big name stars.

For Andy Robertson though, the negative attitude is misplaced. Of course, he recognises, supporters want to new signings…but at times he says, a team on the up is better without the disruption of new faces. And this team is definitely on the up.

“The same got said about Tottenham last season, that they wouldn’t kick on without signings, but they went on and had a more successful season,” he explains patiently.

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“For us, the most important thing was keeping all our players, and we’ve managed to do that. have all stayed together, and that’s a big thing.

“It’s about sticking together and getting even more familiar with each other. We’ve had players that have been in their first seasons - Keita and Fabinho their first season is over now and they’ve settle in, so I’m sure they will be looking to kick on and so will everyone else.”

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It seems strange to talk about a side - that won the Champions’ League and recorded the third highest total in top flight English football history, don’t forget - in terms of inexperience.

But they are a very young team, and crucially a new one. They lost only one league game all season, but didn’t really find their true system or identity until well into the new year.

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Then, Fabinho finally emerged, Alisson took control and Joel Matip became Virgil van Dijk’s complimentary partner, while the front three took off. That, says Robertson is crucial, given the depth that players returning from injury bring.

“Look, we’ve still got 5-6 players to come back who are crucial to this squad, and that will be make a big difference. Then this season, I am sure it will be a good one…it’s about showing it now,” he adds.

“So this is a competitive squad. You look and we have options all over. It’s about needing them - we’ll need them this season and we’ll need to use all of them, and then we will be fine. We are not worried at all.

“We will look forward, next week is the start of the season against Man City and we know how hard this season is going to be, but it’s one we really look forward to.”

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Liverpool lost heavily to Napoli last weekend, and a midweek win over Lyon halted a run of four consecutive summer defeats, but Robertson believes no judgement should be made with Salah, Firmino and Mane missing.

“It’s pre-season. It’s about trying to get ready. We need to cram a lot in, in a short space of time. We have been doing double sessions before games, our legs are maybe a wee bit heavy,” he explains.

“The forwards, the three of them are massive characters, not only world class footballers, but massive characters in the squad.

“It will make a big difference having them around, we’ll welcome them back with open arms. You’ll see the difference.”