MILNER’S MAN IN THE MIDDLE
James stakes claim
JAMES MILNER admits his delight at returning to Liverpool’s midfield quickly turned to frustration. But he is smiling again, ready for the fight to hold on to his starting spot. Milner, 31, played all of last season at left-back for the Reds. But during pre-season boss Jurgen Klopp told him he would be returning to his preferred central midfield role this term. Milner only started two of the opening 13 games until a starring role against tonight’s Champions League opponents Maribor two weeks ago shot him back into Klopp’s plans. The former England international was the stand-out performer in the 7-0 win in Slovenia and has started in both Premier League games since. “It was very frustrating,” said Milner when asked about his lack of game time.
“Every player wants to play football and that is what I want to do.
“The manager picks the team and if it’s not happening, then you have to try to force your way in there. When you do get the chance, you have to try and take it.
“I’ve played the last three games. Hopefully I’ve staked a claim for that shirt.
“At the start of the season the manager pulled me in and said he was looking at me more for the midfield now, which I was obviously delighted with.
“Then I didn’t play too much after that. It was down to me to force my way into the team. Now I want to keep improving and keep contributing to the side.”
Liverpool host Maribor tonight and another victory over the Slovenian champions will edge them towards the last 16 of the Champions League.
Walloped
Klopp will delve into the history books to ensure his side keep their focus.
West Germany were walloped 8-3 by Hungary in the group stages of the 1954 World Cup before beating them 3-2 in the final.
“I am from Germany, so I know in 1954 we lost against Hungary in the group
stage really clear, then won the World Cup Final,” said Klopp.
“Nobody would have expected that. That’s football. That is how I learned it pretty early in my life. It’s always possible.”
Klopp will make a final decision on the fitness of Philippe Coutinho and Dejan Lovren, who both missed Saturday’s win over Huddersfield, this morning.
But the Liverpool boss is unlikely to take a risk with their fitness.
Lovren has revealed he was sent a death threat.
The defender was heavily criticised for his performance in Liverpool’s recent 4-1 defeat by Tottenham but he was enraged by the sickening message sent on Instagram.
He said: “I don’t mind when people talk about me, that says more about them, but I cannot ignore when my family is threatened. I just can’t and won’t accept that. Disgusting.”