Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has insisted that he is not under any added pressure this season despite his side's extravagant spending in the transfer market.
The Reds have signed Roberto Firmino and Christian Benteke for a combined £61.5m to bolster their strikeforce following their underwhelming performance in the last Premier League campaign, although the club also sold Raheem Sterling to Manchester City for £49m.
The 42-year-old is adamant that he does not feel under any additional stress to guide his side back into the Champions League, despite having held talks with the Fenway Sports Group at the end of last season.
Rodgers told reporters: "The pressure is no different to any other season. When I came in, from day one, there was always pressure here to perform. This season is no different.
"There is no question that I was bitterly disappointed last season. There were a number of factors and reasons, but it doesn't matter, we were disappointing so we have to be better. The owners have been very supportive of me since the time they wanted me to be manager. I understand we need to be much better than what we were last season.
"I think it was hugely disappointing at the end of last season. For the first time I felt I needed the break. That week to two weeks after the end of the season was invaluable time, but if you want to improve you have to refocus very quickly."
Liverpool open their Premier League campaign against Stoke City on August 9.
Simon Sinclair
