Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva insists that the Reds will need to give a good account of themselves in their first seven away games in order to head into December in a strong position in the league.
The Reds endured a difficult start to their campaign last season and ultimately ended up in a lowly sixth spot in the league to miss out on Champions League qualification.
They have been handed a difficult fixture list at the start of next season and their first seven away games will see them take on Stoke City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester City.
And Lucas, who made 32 appearances in all competitions last season, insists that it is vital for the Reds to start their season strongly in order for them stay in the hunt for a top four finish.
"I think the important thing for us is to start the season well, we didn't last year, which cost us probably”, the 28-year-old Brazil international told his club’s site.
relatedNewsStory
“The second part of the season we played well and we won a lot of games but the beginning of the season wasn't good enough.
“With the new signings as well, it's always exciting but we just need to see how the group develops in pre-season and start on the front foot.
"Our first seven away games are hard and we will have to start well otherwise by December we won't be in a good position.”
