Lovren, 29, reached the World Cup final with Croatia, losing to France in Russia.
And he has only made one Premier League start for Liverpool since – due to an injury, tiredness and the form of Joe Gomez.
And now he has admitted how much the summer took out of him and his fellow players.
Speaking after Croatia’s goalless draw with England on Friday he was asked about Harry Kane’s form and he shed some light on the fatigue those players at the World Cup will be battling.
“It is not only him,” said the Liverpool star.
“A lot of Croatian players are exhausted emotionally. It is the same for England, trying to get over not going to the final.
“Even Luka (Modric) said to me he is struggling. It takes so much out of you, emotionally and physically.
“Eventually they will get their best form, but it will take time.
“They felt these emotions about how the fans would react in England. It really wasn’t easy.
“Then you have such a short period of rest. It is not so easy to adapt straight away.
“It just isn’t the same if you haven’t started from day one in pre-season. I haven’t even had a pre-season with my team.
“The most important thing is to get your form but all the players are having this period of adaptation.”
Lovren’s first start of the season came on September 26 in the EFL Cup against Chelsea and he then played against Manchester City on October 7.
Liverpool are back in action this coming weekend and face Huddersfield away as they look to get back on track after a recent wobble.