TRAINING IS INTENSE – AND I LOVE IT
“It's brilliant, very intense like it always should be. It's like a game-situation every day. That gives all of us confidence when we do go into a game because we all know we've worked really hard and just need to implement our game-plan. If we do execute properly what we've prepared, it gives us a real chance of winning every time. The other good thing is there are so many quality players that working with them each day helps every one of us to improve.”
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE TEAM
“Last summer there were quite a few additions to the first-team squad, and we worked on the team spirit. The new lads had to sing a song before a team meal as part of their initiation into the group. Most of them did pretty well, there were even a few who were quite good, but I won't name names. This is a great group, we all get on very well. I think having that togetherness away from the pitch is a big part of being a team. It means you are better prepared to go on the pitch and fight for each other, and I expect that spirit, that bond, to get even better.”
NOTHING BEATS ANFIELD UNDER THE LIGHTS
“The stadium has that extra bit of magic for a night-time setting. My first time was the last game of 2011. We won 3-1 against Newcastle – which was fantastic for me as a Sunderland boy – and Steven Gerrard was on his way back from injury and scored a brilliant goal after coming on as a sub. Coming away from the game I remember thinking: yeah, I'm having this. Not long after came Manchester City at home in the League Cup semi-final second leg. The supporters that night did as much as any player to get us through. I don't think I’ll ever forget how good that felt and how incredible the noise was.”
LOOK OUT FOR OUR YOUNG STARS
“The lads who have really stood out, having been new to the first-team environment, are Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ovie Ejaria, [goalkeeper] Caoimhin Kelleher and Ben Woodburn. I speak for a lot of the lads in our squad when I say we have been knocked out by how well these boys have done. It’s no surprise they have ability – they wouldn’t be at Liverpool FC in the first place if they weren’t good players. Ability is only part of it, though: it’s the attitude and commitment they’ve shown that bodes really well for them and us in the future.”
JAMES MILNER: ULTIMATE PRO
“I’ll probably get 'pelters' from Millie for saying this, but typically he will never say anything positive about himself or talk up the charity work he does behind the scenes to help some really important organisations. If I’m thinking of a way to describe him, he is the exact opposite to those people who go on The Apprentice with Lord Sugar. Trying to get him to say something positive about himself is mission impossible. I wouldn’t change him for anything in the world. It’s because he’s so low-key that he’s the person and professional he is.”
MY BEZZIE MATE IN FOOTBALL
“I watched Hull City quite a lot last season because [midfielder] David Meyler is a good friend. I was cheering on him and my ex-gaffer [at Sunderland] Steve Bruce in Hull's play-off final against Sheffield Wednesday last year and was delighted to see them get promoted. In fairness to David he has me on toast whenever we're together because he's sharp with his sense-of-humour – he certainly thinks he's funny anyway! He's someone I'm privileged to count as a pal and he's a top person and a brilliant player.
WHAT MAKES ME FEEL HUMBLE
“As a player for this club, there are few occasions as important as the visit to Alder Hey to see the children, families and amazing staff. You read about bravery and courage in sport, but compare that to what you see at Alder Hey and it’s not even on the same planet. The kids who are patients, plus the parents, brothers, sisters and grandparents, show us each year what real fight and courage is. The visit makes us recognise that we have so many privileges in life, and the doctors, nurses and other staff show us what real commitment and dedication is. These people are the real role-models in our society and if our visit helps in even the smallest way we are proud to go there and represent Liverpool Football Club.”
