Lovren: World Cup stars are “struggling” this season

Dejan Lovren believes those who played in the 2018 World Cup are “struggling” this season.

Players who represented their countries in Russia this summer had a very short break before club football started again – there were just 26 days between the final on July 15 and the beginning of the Premier League campaign.

Lovren was asked about Harry Kane’s performance after England’s game with Croatia on Friday, and the Liverpool centre-back revealed how Kane and many others are likely suffering from weariness after the summer tournament.

READ: Sadio Mane injured in training with Senegal

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 19: Mohamed Salah of Egypt scores his team’s first goal from the penalty spot past Igor Akinfeev of Russia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group A match between Russia and Egypt at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 19, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

READ: Triple injury boost for Klopp ahead of Huddersfield game.

“You can’t say that [Kane is underperforming] on just one game. It is not only him,” Lovren told the Independent, as quoted in Examiner.

“A lot of Croatian players are all exhausted emotionally.

“It is the same for England, trying to get over not going to the final.

“They felt these emotions about how the fans would react in England. It really wasn’t easy.

“Then you have such a short period of rest. It is not so easy to adapt straight away.

“It just isn’t the same if you haven’t started from day one in pre-season.

“I haven’t even had a pre-season with my team!

“The most important thing is to get your form but all the players [who went to the World Cup] are having this period of adaptation.

“Even Luka (Modric) said to me he is struggling.”

Lovren also commented on teammate Mohamed Salah’s form, suggesting that the Egyptian is also struggling to reach the same level he achieved last season.

“Everyone is struggling, even Salah,” said Lovren.

“It takes so much out of you, emotionally and physically. Eventually they will get their best form but it will take time.”

The post Lovren: World Cup stars are “struggling” this season appeared first on AnfieldHQ.

Source: anfieldhq.com