Good start vital says Xabi

Last updated : 31 July 2007 By Al Campbell
Last season the Reds didn't win an away game until December 2nd. It's a record they must improve this season if they're to challenge for the title says Alonso.

"The challenge is to have a good start first of all. If we start well it will give us a boost and we'll have more confidence," said the midfielder.

"We've got to try to prove to ourselves that we can be at the top from the beginning. We've got to start as well as possible. The last few seasons we've had a poor start and the gap has become so big that it was difficult to go for the title.

"We need to focus on the start of the season and not be thinking about the last game."