Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is hoping to hit the ground running as the Reds campaign gets underway at the weekend. The 32-year-old had a poor start to the previous campaign, mirroring the club's early problems, and looked a shadow of his former self.
However, as the season progressed he rediscovered the form which has made him one of the most consistent defenders of his generation.
"You never know what might happen," said Carragher as he prepared to enter his 15th season in the Liverpool first team.
"Last year after a few games, the whole world had written me off and said I was finished.
"But in the second half of the season, along with Javier Mascherano and Pepe (Reina), I was probably one of the most consistent players and when you look at how the defence played, we managed to keep 18 clean sheets.
"That's gone now and you have to do it all again. There is going to be a challenge and it has always been the case that players will want to take your place but you just have to be ready for the challenge.
"I played every week for Rafa for six years but I've got to prove myself again.
"Even if Rafa had still been here that would have been the case.
"There will be a time when I don't play 50 games a season but I've no intention of it happening this year."
