Reds to stir Stew
Walt’s war of nerves
Can admits the target is to become Premier League champions. He is not surprised by the team’s position in the table, either.
He added: “The target has to be always to win silverware. Now we have to look from game to game, that is the most important, but of course we want to win the title.
“I think everyone knows we have a very strong squad and we have the confidence to say we want to win titles.”
Liverpool have looked more impressive as each week has gone by and Can has added to that after a start to the season hit by injury.
He senses a different camaraderie among t he players and a determination to bring silverware back to the Kop. Can said: “We want to make history but it comes from hard work, it comes from belief and from confidence.
“We were a good unit with Brendan Rodgers but now you can say it is closer. The spirit is very, very good.”
Can opened his scoring account at Palace and concedes he needs to add more goals to his game. There is talk of a new contract and, with 18 months to go on his current deal, the club have already held preliminary talks with the player.
He insisted: “I am very happy at Liverpool.” And they appear very happy with him. LIVERPOOL are keen to reward Kevin Stewart for his progress at Anfield with an improved deal – just eight months after he signed his last one.
The former Spurs trainee (right) was signed on a free four years ago and has pushed his way to the fringes of Jurgen Klopp’s first-team, making four substitute appearances so far this season. Stewart, 23, agreed to stay with
Happy
WATFORD manager Walter Mazzarri believes his team face a huge test of nerve and character at Anfield this afternoon in a match he regards as crucial to their development. The Italian acknowledged that, under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool have evolved as genuine contenders for the Premier League title. And he regards today’s clash as another important step for the team he inherited this season. Mazzarri has tasted the special vibe Anfield can generate when his Napoli team lost 3-1 six years ago this month in the Europa League. “It was a beautiful atmosphere,” said Mazzarri, who regards the match as a key element in his team’s learning curve.
“This is a great test,” added the Italian, who is aware how opponents can be intimidated by the Anfield crowd.
“I always tell my players the important thing is their mentality. They always have to concentrate on the pitch and think only about what is on the pitch and nothing else – mainly in away games.
“This is a great test for me because I want to see if they are ready to play against one of the great teams at a very high level.”
And he wants to see his team mature.“We have to grow,” he said. “I always had teams in the past that had an idea and a way of thinking. I call them steps.
“The first one was against West Ham and then Manchester United. This is another step. If we want to grow, these are very important games for us.” the Merseysiders in February, penning a contract which runs for another three full seasons after this.
But it appears that his continued improvement warrants another pay increase with the Londoner pushing strongly for some extra game-time.
The Reds will also try again for teenage Ipswich Town midfielder Andre Dozzell, when the window opens.
The 17-year-old rejected an approach in the summer but has featured just once for the Tractor Boys this season.
Steps