Lovren ready for centre stage with Liverpool
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
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Liverpool FC's €25m defensive recruit Dejan Lovren analysed the Reds' mixed results so far this season and sounded a confident note about their return to the group stage.
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On the eve of Liverpool FC's return to the UEFA Champions League group stage, Croatian international centre-back Dejan Lovren assessed their form so far this season. The €25m summer signing from Southampton FC remained calm despite the Reds' two defeats in four Premier League games – yet demanded three points from the Group A opener against PFC Ludogorets Razgrad at Anfield.
On Liverpool's form ...
I think we had a really good start, especially the first game – it was important to start with three points and we won against Southampton [2-1]. We were disappointed against Manchester City [1-2] but against Tottenham [3-0] we showed everyone that we can play and that we are not scared to lose. Of course, it was a little painful in the last game at home to Aston Villa, losing 1-0. We didn't expect it, but it happens – it's football. We need to keep our heads up, concentrate on the Champions League and move on. We have a lot of games and we need to forget it.
On the defence ...
It is the start of the season and we've had tough games. Of course we need to improve in every game, to be better defensively collectively. But I am not worried and am really confident in our team. We are practically a new team with a lot of new players but everything will settle down. Nobody wants not to concede a goal but it's football and anything can happen. We move on.
On the team's UEFA Champions League ambitions ...
For everyone it's a pleasure to be back in the Champions League after five years and now we want success. I will not say we have an easy group but I am sure we can get through. The most important thing is to win the first game – it is so much easier if you start with three points. I think the most important thing is to get through the group and then we will see what happens.
On his past experience of the competition ...
For sure, it will help. I have played 20–21 games in the Champions League and I know what can happen. I think it's something different from the Premier League. I didn't play the last two and a half years in the Champions League, but I'm ready for it and cannot wait to start. It will be something different from the Premier League, it will be a massive game.
The European campaign ahead ...
We will play more games but that's good – for me, for the team. With the extra games I think you can just be better and better. The problem is when you have injured players – but for now we are ready. Tuesday is a game like any other and we need to try to take as many points as we can. I am ready, I am fit and it will be a long season.
Playing for Liverpool in Europe ...
The Champions League is the Champions League and we know it's a big part of football. Of course, it is not the same thing to play for Lyon in the Champions League as for Liverpool – I know Liverpool is a bigger club. But we just need to concentrate, be calm and play our game.
Leading the back line at Anfield ...
It's not so easy, of course. It's a tough job because I am a new player. I am just 25 and need to improve in every game, as a person and as a player. I'm giving my best, that is the most important thing. And I think in time it will come. Of course, it is not so easy to lead all the time because I have been used to other players leading. But I have confidence in myself and I am ready.