Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has admitted last season's title defence was "unacceptable", but he believes the players "have an opportunity to turn it around" under new head coach Andoni Iraola.
The Reds still qualified for Champions League football despite finishing fifth in the Premier League last season with 60 points.
"We all know how tough it will be, but if you aren't up for the challenge then you aren't at the right place," Van Dijk said. "What I feel at the moment is everybody is up for the challenge.
"Let's see how we go about it. I'm really looking forward to this season.
"I don't feel we have a point to prove to anyone. We just have to show how much we care, how much we want to fight for this badge and also realise how privileged we are to be playing for Liverpool."
The 35-year-old will welcome better cover in central defence this season, with Liverpool signing Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo while Giovanni Leoni is close to a return from an ACL injury
There will also be a new style of play under Iraola, who won plaudits for his brand of football during his time at Bournemouth.
"If you look at Bournemouth last season, they were pretty exciting," Van Dijk added. "If we keep working, believing and showing our quality, we can be very excited.
"We need everyone to be fit. We need a squad that is able to compete on all four fronts, that's the only way to try to be successful.
"Let's see what the last couple weeks of the transfer window brings and then let's go for it."
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