Origi: We are all very motivated to take the next step

Divock Origi has spoken about the importance of building momentum in the early stages of a new campaign.

The striker got a start alongside Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah with Sadio Mane only returning to training on Monday after a well deserved break following international commitments.

The Belgian made a impression in the first ten minutes of the game when his cross was steered by Norwich captain Grant Hanley into the back of his own net.

After goals by Mo Salah and Virgil Van Dijk, Origi put a exclamation mark on a terrific first 45 minutes of the season when he headed home from a trademark pinpoint pass by Trent Alexander-Arnold.

It continued a rich vein of form for Origi as it was his fifth goal in his last six games for the Reds in all competitions.

While the pre-season form of the Reds was understandably scratchy with key players absent, the community shield against Man City was a key step forward, and the clash against the Canaries followed in the same fashion.

The Official site reported Origi as saying:

"As a first game, we wanted to make another step from the game against [Manchester] City and obviously winning 4-1 against a very good team is good for us.

"I think there's a lot of good elements, some elements where we can still improve. But it's still the start of the season, so I think it's very positive.

"We had a lot of respect for this team and we knew that if we didn't play at 100 per cent we could have problems.

"You could see in some instances that they had a lot of quality but I thought we dealt with it well.

"In the end, 4-1 is a very good performance for us."

The games keep coming thick and fast for the European Champions early in the season where they take on Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday evening in Istanbul.

The opportunity to play for these kinds of honours is what Footballers live for and Origi said the level of expectation within the squad is high.

"I think there's something special going on.

"Last year we could finish the season off with a cup and that was good for us.

"But now we have to make the next step. 

"Also in the Premier League, we have a lot to play for, a lot of prizes to play for this season.

"I think we have a very good group and we're all very motivated."