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One of the most disappointing aspects of Liverpool's 6-1 loss to Stoke to end last season was the lack of fight from the team as the match got out of hand, and it was encouraging to see the team change the tone with a hard-fought result against Stoke today. Manager Brendan Rodgers believes that his team showed its true personality in today's victory.
"It is about performing well and showing character. For me it was about ensuring the personality came out. Today you see a team with the determination and will," Rodgers said. "It was a good performance after a long pre-season, to get the win after what happened here last season was even more important. We showed great character and determination as a team and our quality came through."
With the win, Rodgers believes that it's time to move on from the 6-1 horror show of last year.
"Eleven weeks ago it was embarrassing but I think that puts it to bed," he said. "I always felt last season's result at Stoke was a one off. The players can put that behind them now and focus on moving forward."
Rodgers admitted that he almost subbed off Philippe Coutinho before he scored the winning goal.
"Danny Ings was going to come on but I'm obviously happy Coutinho scored and stayed on," he said. "I can't profess to be any sort of genius."
