TRENT’S 2020 VISION New year but same goals for Liverpool
TRENT Alexander-Arnold says Liverpool still have much work to do but their focus this year is on repeating their scintillating 2019 form.
Liverpool swept all before them last year as they won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
Jurgen Klopp’s all-conquering side also averaged most points per game in their history last year to open up a 13-point lead in the race for the current Premier League title.
They also have a game in hand and are on course to end their 30-year title wait.
Alexander-Arnold knows maintaining their momentum is key to claiming more silverware.
Asked to outline his goals, the England full-back said: “Keeping up the momentum we’ve got and trying to replicate 2019 as much as possible. If we do that, trophies will come.”
Liverpool are rewriting the record books this season and their return of 58 points from their first 20 games is their best start to a campaign.
They are also through to the fourth round of the FA Cup and the last 16 of the Champions League, where they will face Atletico Madrid next month.
Alexander-Arnold, 21, says he is looking forward to the touchline antics of Klopp and Atletico’s Diego Simeone.
“Hopefully we can get to another Champions League final, but we’ve got a difficult draw,” he said. “Atletico Madrid are a stubborn team, one that’s hard to break down, and a passionate team with a passionate manager. It’ll be interesting to see the two managers on the touchline and see who is more passionate!
“We enjoyed the Champions League last year because we had such a tough run. Every game we had to get to the final was against a different type of opponent after a tough group.
“We had a tough group this year and a tough round of 16 opponent again, but we like to be tested as a team because it brings the best out of us.
“If you want to be the best you have to beat the best, so for us it’s about testing ourselves as much as possible.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to go back to Istanbul, which would be massive, but to have a perfect 2020 we need to win as many trophies as possible.”