MAN FOR ATALANTA
Elliott hoping to get Europa nod in Kop’s treble chase
ASTON Villa have raised concerns that English clubs are not being protected like their European rivals.
As Unai Emery’s side host French side Lille tonight, their opponents have had time off from their domestic schedule to prepare.
The French league agreed to a fixture change last week — and have postponed matches this weekend too — allowing Paolo Fonseca’s side seven days to prepare for the return leg.
Villa have a trip to Arsenal on Sunday before travelling to France next Thursday.
Approach
The club has suggested to the Premier League that it follows a similar approach to their opponents after their win over Ajax.
Emery said: “I’m going to prepare for the two legs. For us, in between, there is one very important match in the Premier League.
“For me, I have the habit to do it. For the players, they have to accept and understand it and be mentally focused on each match and each competition.”
HARVEY ELLIOTT felt like he was back at school yesterday but is learning quickly enough to push Jurgen Klopp for a starting spot.
The gifted Liverpool wideman (21) hopes to get the nod for tonight’s Europa League quarter-final first leg against Atalanta.
He has made his name as a supersub since joining from Fulham as an exciting, talented teenager.
Indeed, Elliott has only started in six of his 27 Premier League appearances this term.
Influence
But with his growing pedigree and influence, there’s a sense he could now take more of a leading role especially with games coming thick and fast in Liverpool’s final treble-chasing push.
Elliott conceded: “Quite frankly, I’m wanting to be starting games.
“I want to be one of those players walking out rather than coming on.
QUARTER FINAL
“I’m not saying I’m not grateful for every opportunity I get in a Liverpool shirt.
“But I want to kick on for myself. I’m not a kid anymore. I’m a man and I’m growing up quickly.
“I’ve got to take responsibilities in my own hands and if that means knocking on the gaffer’s door it has to happen.
“I don’t like to kick up too much of a fuss.
I’m part of the team and I don’t want it to look like I’m being selfish. But I want to cement my spot in this team.”
Elliott says Liverpool have quickly put the disappointment of dropping two points at Old Trafford behind them as they get ready to face Serie A opposition this evening.
Game
“It (Europe) is the same preparation for any other game — although here it’s like being in school again!” he joked, referring to the larger Anfield press room compared to their usual training facility.
“We’re focusing on facing a tough side. Atalanta are a very attacking team who have scored many goals this season. We’re going to have to be organised defensively. They’re a great team and if we let them get many opportunities, they will take them.”
The Europa League is one trophy that has eluded Klopp in his time as manager.
Elliott says Liverpool will be doing “everything we can” to make sure that’s corrected before the German bows out at the end of the season.
But Atalanta, who sit sixth in Serie A, pose plenty of threat, not least from 13-goal leading scorer Teun Koopmeiners.
The Dutch forward (26) will be a key cog in their side as they bid to cause a shock and become the first visitors to win at Anfield this season ahead of next Thursday’s second leg.
Squad
Meanwhile, Elliott has not given up hope of forcing his way into Gareth Southgate’s England Euros squad.
“I’ve not had any conversations at the moment,” he said.
“My main priority is just Liverpool. If I put in performances here you never know what’s around the corner.
“There’s the (England) 21s as well which is massive. If called upon I’d be very happy and honoured. But it’s not going to happen if I’m not playing well for Liverpool.”