Dejan Lovren has admitted he was spent after a long World Cup campaign.
The 30-year-old was part of the Croatia team that reached the competition final, where they lost to France.
Lovren then endured an injury-laden 2018/19 campaign, which he contributes to his efforts in Russia.
He told Sportske Novosti: "But after the World Cup I cracked - both physically and mentally. The best way to say it is that I was worn out. I didn't feel the passion or tension that I did before and after three to four months out I got injured too.
"As I returned, Jurgen Klopp didn't like some things and I understand that. I arrived at the training camp injured, although I didn't know I was injured. I knew there were some problems but I believed I'd solve them as usual.
"I had put up with pain until I just couldn't stand it anymore. And, as I returned from injury, it was hard to get in the team that was on a winning streak. The coach felt he didn't need me that much. I played some matches but I wasn't happy."
