With less than a week to go until the resumption of the Premier League, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has spoken of his delight at the way in which his side and his backroom staff have prepared their excuses for the season ahead.

Having come close to winning the title in 2013/14, Liverpool started poorly last term and Rodgers has since spoken of being unprepared with his excuses for the slow manner in which his side got out of the blocks. Speaking to assembled journalists today, the former Swansea manager said he won’t allow it to happen again.

“We knew after last season that we had to prepare our excuses for poor performances better,” said the Northern Irishman. “Our main excuse was a half-baked one about Mario not being settled, and people have cottoned on to the Suarez excuse so that’s gone. I should have known better, thankfully I do now. We’ve worked on our excuses thoroughly this summer and we’re really pleased with the professionalism that has gone into them.”

Rodgers confirmed that he and his coaching staff got to work on this season’s excuses as soon as last season ended. “We got to work straight away. The Stoke defeat was ideal and presents us with a really great opportunity to refer to the hangover from it should we lose to them on the opening day. Aside from that we’ve got some real gems with – of course – Raheem and especially Steven’s departure being first and foremost.”

The under pressure coach stated that of course any side would struggle during their first season without a long-standing captain and that he intends to let everyone know that, should the moment present itself.

The manager added. “We couldn’t be happier with our preparation for the season. We’ve got seven new players in who themselves are walking, talking excuses for us right there. It’s a very exciting time to be at Liverpool.”