Jordan Henderson admits that Man City is "the enemy" of Liverpool but insists that it's not the only one

Jordan Henderson is convinced that Manchester City will not be the only "enemy" of Liverpool this season, explaining why there is no bitterness towards the Premier League champions.

Last season's top two teams will meet at Wembley on Sunday in the Community Shield, with the goal of bringing a quick psychological blow in anticipation of the new campaign.

City wins a second consecutive title despite the club record recorded in Liverpool with 97 points, although the Reds are comforted to have been crowned champions of Europe by defeating Tottenham Hotspur in the final of the Champions League.

Henderson, however, believes that the Premier League will not be a two-horse race from the start, although City continues to set new standards.

"Everyone will talk about Liverpool and City because they won the league and that they were so good and we won the Champions League," said Liverpool skipper. "It's easy to do.

"You have to watch the other teams. They will improve. There are more teams than us and City who will be competing.

"But you have to respect them as much for winning the Premier League two at a time. It's so difficult.

"They continue to raise the level and progress with their team, so we have to do the same and I think we will do it.

"The players are hungry. They want more. They want to keep working hard and the manager will make sure of that.

"We have some excellent senior players in the team. We must focus on what lies ahead and continue to rise to the challenge for all trophies. "

Henderson added, "We showed that we were not discouraged after losing the league to win the Champions League. It was a great moment for us.

"We can use last season as fuel to be even better to win this year and resume the competition.

"We know how good City is and the other teams will improve.

"The Premier League is so difficult. This showed last year. Playing as we did and winning so many games without winning … but we continue, we give everything and improve, and I hope we challenge. "

There was sometimes little love lost between Liverpool and City supporters during a tense title fight, but the Reds team had a healthy respect for the team. Pep Guardiola.

And Henderson admits that playing alongside many players during his progress in the ranks with England has had an impact on their relationships.

"I think when you grow up with players, you go through the under 21s with them, it can eliminate bitterness or rivalry," he said.

"It's normal, there is competitiveness and you want to win. On the field, they are the enemy and you will do everything to win.

"But when we leave with England, we have changed mentalities and it's easy to do with friends. People like Raheem (Sterling), I've known him for a long time and I talk to him regularly. "

City was the only team to beat Liverpool in the Premier League last season, after a 2-1 win over Etihad in January, proving the difference between the two teams.

And when asked how the Reds could improve this term, Henderson said, "Consistency is key. We were very consistent last year, but there are still games that you can watch and say we could have been better.

"That's what we need to focus on. Be better every game, better control the matches, score more goals, defend better and stay in competition. "