Lee: No international hangover

Sammy Lee today spoke of the importance of Liverpool's international players returning to Melwood later this week fully focused on the Barclays Premier League clash with Sunderland.

The Reds travel to the Stadium of Light on Saturday determined to get back to winning ways after consecutive defeats to Fiorentina and Chelsea before the World Cup qualifying recess.

Anfield's assistant manager is eager for Liverpool's returning charges to make sure their attentions are turned to the fixture in the north east and helping the Reds climb up the table.

Lee told Liverpoolfc.tv: "The group that have been here at Melwood during the international break have been working very hard with a view to the Sunderland game, and when the other players return later this week, we have to make sure they kick in and are focused on a very important game.

"There is no window for us to have any kind of international hangover - we don't have that luxury."

The trip to Sunderland signals the start of an important week of fixtures for Liverpool, with home encounters against Lyon and Manchester United following hot on the heels of the match with Steve Bruce's outfit.

Lee admits the Reds' preparations have been disrupted by the international break, but acknowledges it is a situation clubs across Europe also have to contend with.

"It is difficult to prepare, but that is the nature of the game," he reflected.

"I think this is the third international break of the season already and it's something we've got to live with. We're not unique in this and other clubs have got the same problem."

Following the defeat at Stamford Bridge last time out, Liverpool occupy sixth position in the Barclays Premier League heading into the restart, six points behind early frontrunners Chelsea.

However, Lee has played down suggestions the forthcoming trio of fixtures will define the Reds' season, particularly with the campaign still at a fledgling stage.

He insists each and every match will take on the same high-level of importance from now until the end of term as Rafa Benitez's men go in search of silverware.

"At this football club, every week is massive," he continued. "The fact we're playing these matches just adds to that, but being 'Liverpool Football Club' means we're going to be in these type of games.

"It's been a mixed start to the season - there have been some good points and some bad.

"But it's still only October and we're going to be working very hard to ensure we're there or thereabouts come the end of the season in all competitions."