Liverpool had a difficult first stage of the Premier League,, where the team has not achieved good results.

Facing the restart of activity on the famous boxing day, the Reds are sixth in the table with 22 points.

But for Joel Matip, the break that the team from the World Cup has had has been good for them and will help them focus better on the second part of the season.

Matip said to talkSPORT: “It’s something special to have a big break during the season like this, but for us, it maybe wasn’t too bad to have to get a few more players in the team, to reorganize and to get back to our strengths.

“For me especially, because I was injured, it gives me some extra time and games. It will be tough for every team, and we’ll see who gets the better restart, but we’re looking forward to it, and the team is looking good.

“If somebody starts struggling, then the voices on the outside always get louder, but I have all the confidence in my teammates and the club that we are still a strong side and can beat everyone.”I’m’m not in doubt about the quality of our team. People outside will speak, but to be honestdon’ton’t care too much about these types of things.

Matip remains optimistic that the club will be able to improve performance and challenge for silverware this season. “We’re far away from saying that we don’t care about the Premier League and that other things are more important. We just want to get as many points as possible and beat everyone, so we’ll see.”