Coutinho returns, but Firmino a doubt for Liverpool’s friendly in Helsinki

Rodgers has overseen a squad overhaul since that crushing defeat – with the likes of James Milner and Christian Benteke arriving at Anfield – and Origi added: “We’re ready for a very good season“.

“You see how exciting he is, but he still has a lot of potential and work to do”.

“Whether they are 17 or 27, if I think they are ready, I’ll play them”.

“It’s not something I’ve totally decided upon yet”, Rodgers said.

The game against HJK Helsinki was the flawless warm up to an important final week of pre-season which will no doubt be centered around conditioning drills.

Liverpool will conclude their pre-season preperations this weekend.

That had sagged at times during preseason, but getting the victor yesterday against stubborn opposition will hopefully provide a boost ahead of a season that should see him get plenty of chances, especially before Sturridge’s return to full fitness.

After struggling to make many inroads in the first half, the Reds began the second period brightly as Adam Lallana fizzed a 25-yard effort narrowly wide of the left-hand post.

First up, Divock Origi hit the net for Liverpool. His 13 goals along with 2 assists from February to May were excellent and showed his ability to go through patches where all he does is score.

“The mentality is very good”.

“My teams are about fluency, pace and movement, irrespective of how tall someone is”.

Star player: Philippe Coutinho – The Brazilian playmaker slots everything together and his play in-between midfield and attack will be crucial to the Reds’ success this year. “All round, it was a good night for us and we’ll take plenty of positives from the game”.

“But the philosophy is still very much the same – about controlling and dominating the ball, and playing with real pressure to press the game”.