Thiago Alcantara believes he can be "even better" for Liverpool this season as he revealed the steps he is taking to help integrate summer signing Darwin Nunez into the squad.
Thiago ended last season in outstanding form as the Reds came close to achieving an unprecedented quadruple, narrowly missing out in the Premier League and Champions League having already won the League Cup and FA Cup.
The 31-year-old Spaniard, among the 31-man squad at the week-long training camp in Austria, is experiencing his first full pre-season with Liverpool having been signed after the start of the 2020/21 season and then missing part of last summer through injury.
EXCLUSIVE: Darwin Nunez is ready for 'big step' at Liverpool and three players prove it
READ MORE: Liverpool have quietly made big 'statement' after crucial Jurgen Klopp change
And Thiago has explained the claim from Jurgen Klopp earlier this year that the midfielder had stated the Reds boss has taught him how to run.
"It's more than about running itself," he said. "It's about proper running, the high intensity, and the right sprints in the right moments. You improve that and you improve for your team as well, and as a player you grow up with that. It was an important experience that I've lived these two years under the manager's teaching, but it will be even better this season.
"It was great to be here from the beginning (for pre-season). We had a long travel in Asia to Bangkok and Singapore where we really felt the warmth of the fans there. Now we start the heavy part of this pre-season, more running and playing more intense as we want. So far, so good.
"It's always good to prepare yourself as much as you can, not just as an individual but also with the football ideas that we have. It's not our first time in a pre-season so we will manage it properly for the situation, we prepare in the greatest way for the season."
Nunez opened his account following his initial £64million move from Benfica with four goals in the 5-0 friendly romp at RB Leipzig on Thursday evening. And Thiago has detailed how, as a fellow Spanish speaker, he has helped welcome the 23-year-old Uruguayan into the fold.
"You start to know a new lad coming into our team and you always want that he is happy in the team, happy with us, happy and confident with himself," said Thiago. "I think he's turned over the first (page of his) adaptation with his four goals. It's important for him and important for us.
"At every point in our life (as players) we were the young guy in the team and someone helped us, so you use that experience to help the young players that come. Because of the language I try to help him as much as I can and make him part of our sessions and our team."
Another summer signing, Fabio Carvalho, has caught the eye along with Harvey Elliott, while midfield youngster, 17-year-old Stefan Bajcetic, has taken his first steps form the Academy up into the senior set-up.
And Thiago, speaking to liverpoolfc.com, added: "We were talking about it in the second half (against Leipzig) when we were on the bench with Fabinho and Naby. We have added talented players in the midfield who were playing at that time, and it's impressive how they are and how audacious they are with what they do, and also how they treat the ball and how they work as well. I think that's the most important part for a young player - how they work."
READ NEXT:
-
Every word of Paddy Pimblett's heartbreaking speech after UFC London win
-
Jurgen Klopp reveals Liverpool transfer plan for this window and two things that could change it
-
Mohamed Salah has big advantage that may explain his new Liverpool contract
-
Paddy 'The Baddy' Pimblett cruises to submission victory at UFC London to extend unbeaten run
-
Four things spotted in Liverpool training as Darwin Nunez shares new look and Alisson returns
