Rom earns his stripes
Training is the problem
because football is like that. But in the end it depends on yourself and whether you are ready to move on or not.
“I responded quite well even with some different things around my life, burglars and things like that, so it wasn’t quite easy for me, especially in October.”
Intruders attempted to break in to Lovren’s house through a patio door while his wife and children were inside, an experience he described as “horrific”.
“I had support from some really good people like the manager, the club, my team-mates and of course the supporters who are ready always to support you,” said Lovren.
“But it’s not easy because we are also humans and everyone has problems.”
Security has since been beefed up around players’ houses and the arrival of Virgil van Dijk in January has had a similar effect on Liverpool at the back with four clean sheets in their last five games.
“It is always good to hear some positive things and we did quite well in the last couple of games when we played,” said Lovren.
“We understood each other quite well and hopefully we can do it also in the future.” ROMELU LUKAKU has described himself as Jose Mourinho’s “sergeant” ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Liverpool that could determine who finishes as runners-up to champions-elect Manchester City. Only one of the Belgium striker’s 23 goals this season has come against a team in the top 10 of the Premier League but the United manager remains fiercely loyal to him.
Lukaku said: “The manager thinks that I’m like his sergeant on the pitch, and that’s strange for a striker because it’s usually the midfielders.
“I’ve always worked hard and I’m grateful but I’m a striker and I have to score goals. He has been really good but he knows I have that soldier mentality. The work-rate I am delivering to the team is a lot and he knows he can come to me whenever.”
Mourinho has started Lukaku in all but one of their league games and praises his work ethic.
Lukaku said: “The desire to win is bigger than ever since I came to this club because I always wanted to win and chase trophies. I always put that in front of personal objectives. The boss knows that, and that’s why I’m playing.”