"I was very pleased to play as long as I did on Saturday. We knew from the start that everyone would play more or less 45 minutes but the manager asked me to stay on for a bit longer and I was happy to do so. After seven months out I need as many minutes on the pitch as possible to get myself back fully fit," said Zenden, who completed 55 minutes in centre midfield against Crewe at the weekend.
"It was a big injury that I had and it was frustrating to be out for such a long time. It's an injury that generally heals well but you do have to take your time with it. It's never a nice feeling being out of the side but I've still been involved with the team because I did 95 per cent of my rehab at Melwood.
"Being around the players on a constant basis can sometimes be harder when you're injured though. You see them enjoying themselves and preparing for games and you have to concentrate on your own rehabilitation program.
"Obviously, I'm delighted to be back now and it's a good time to be back because I can use these friendly games to help me get back to the level I should be at. I'm feeling good. I'm in the final straight now and I just need to play games in order to get that rhythm and confidence back. Training helps but nothing compares to playing games.
"We've got a few games coming up while over in Switzerland and they are really important to me, then there's the Champions League qualifier and Charity Shield. The latter two are obviously big games but we are just taking each game as it comes.
"I've played as a central midfielder in the first two friendlies and that is perfect for me. I played there for Middlesbrough and had a very good season. I know what it takes to play in that position. True, there is a lot of competition for places in the centre of midfield at Liverpool but that's what you expect at a club of this size. It's what we need if we're going to challenge for the top honours.
"We've got quality players not only in the middle but all over the pitch. We're going to play a lot of games in the coming season and I'm sure everyone will be doing their best to play in as many games as they can.
"Can we win the Premiership? Why not? We've improved a lot. Last season we finished on – points and in any other season that may have been enough. Each year you want to do better than the year before so we'll be giving it another go and hopefully we can do it.
"Liverpool Football Club always wants to win trophies. Last season it was the FA Cup but the one we are all eager to win his the Premier League. It's been a long time since this club won it so that will definitely been one of main focuses of attention."