Liverpool defender Daniel Agger insists the players are happy again under Roy Hodgson.

The 25-year old Denmark international claims that the former Fulham boss has restored unity at Anfield and expects things to pick up this season.

"It is a new team, new players, young players, new staff and I think the mentality you can see on people's faces - they are a lot more happy in training sessions," Agger said.

"When you get a new training ¬session, new staff around you, new methods, it gives you more energy somehow.

"Obviously the sessions have to be good in the right way, but I think it is really important for a team to be happy to play football.

"For me it is really important I am happy when I play football because I think I can perform better then and I think it is the same for everyone."