Press conferenceHarvey Elliott: I want to keep kicking on and take every opportunity
Harvey Elliott spoke of his determination to ‘kick on’ and take his chances as Liverpool turn their focus to a Europa League quarter-final with Atalanta.
The Reds are now preparing for the first leg of their tie against the Italian side, having drawn 2-2 at Old Trafford in the Premier League last weekend.
Elliott was impactful as a substitute in that contest and won the penalty that Mohamed Salah converted to salvage a point for Jürgen Klopp’s men.
It was the No.19’s 44th appearance of the campaign, with his game time split between 21 starts and 23 introductions from the bench so far.
Ahead of Thursday night’s Anfield clash with Atalanta at 8pm BST, Elliott spoke to the media at a press conference – read the Q&A in full below…
On the current mood among the squad after the weekend draw at Manchester United…
We were very disappointed after the game. But I think it was quickly forgotten about; the good thing about football is we’re able to go into another game a few days after, so our preparations quickly changed to this game. For us, it’s just about going out and now putting in a positive performance.
On there being an added desire to lift the Europa League this season because it’s a trophy Klopp has yet to win…
Absolutely. It’s another great trophy to win as well for us. And I think with the circumstances of what’s going on and the gaffer leaving at the end of the season, to sign off [by] winning it would be the best possible way. We’re going to do everything we can as players to make sure that happens. We just want to give everything back to the gaffer, he has been very influential in our careers.
On whether he finds it ‘difficult’ to be coming off the bench in games and trying to make an impact…
Not really. For me it’s just about making sure I’m analysing the game, seeing where I can exploit different teams and seeing the areas I can put myself in and attack from that way. Quite frankly, I want to be starting games, I want to be a player walking out rather than coming on – it doesn’t mean I’m not grateful for coming on the pitch, I’m very grateful for every opportunity I get in a Liverpool shirt. For me it’s just about kicking on for myself and kind of cementing my spot in the team – and I’ll do everything I can to do that.
On still being a ‘young’ player and whether he would speak to the manager about getting more chances…
I’m young but I’m not a kid anymore, I’m a man, I’m growing up quickly and I feel like I need to take responsibility into my own hands. If that means me knocking on the gaffer’s door, then it’s going to have to happen! But at the same time I do need to wait for my opportunities, I do need to be patient. But when I get them, I just want to take them and I want to cement my spot in the team.
On how he goes about pushing for a starting place…
I think it’s a bit of everything really – it’s in training, it’s in the games. For me it’s about being patient, I don’t really 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. Whoever goes out and plays deserves to go out and play, there’s no doubt about that, every player is unbelievable and very talented. So it’s just about staying patient and when I do get the opportunities, I need to make sure I take them myself. And I feel like I’ve been doing that to an extent this season, but I’m never satisfied, I need to keep going and putting in the performances.
On whether there’s any differences when preparing for a big European match…
No, it’s the same preparation, we do the same things as it would be for any other game. So there’s no difference in preparation. It’s just about focusing on the game and going out and putting on a performance tomorrow against a tough side. For us as a team we’re ready for anything and we just need to make sure we’re well prepared. Come tomorrow, we need to go out and put in a strong performance.
On what he is expecting from Atalanta…
They’re a very attacking team, scored many goals this season so we’re going to need to be expecting that. We’re going to need to be defensively very well organised and not let them get many opportunities because they’ll take them. They’re a great team with great players in and they could cause us problems. It’s about making sure we’re well prepared. We need to analyse what they’re going to do and hopefully by the time the game comes tomorrow we know the ins and outs of what they’re going to do and make sure we do our job. Hopefully it’ll be a positive game for us.
On Liverpool’s strong record at Anfield, the challenge for opponents and what’s behind it…
It’s our fans, our fans are amazing, not only at Anfield but away games as well. They travel all around the world to watch us play, they drive us on and they’re our 12th man, as many people have said. For us playing at Anfield, walking out to You’ll Never Walk Alone, hearing the fans sing, there’s no better feeling and better buzz to go out and play our football. Even if we’re trailing or not having the best of games, they’re always there supporting us. As players, that’s all you can ask for. Anfield is one of a kind and our fans are special, there’s no doubt about that. I’m sure we’ll see it again tomorrow night.
On if he feels he has a chance of making England’s squad for Euro 2024 this summer…
I haven’t had any [discussions] at the moment. My main priority is just Liverpool and if I put in the performances at Liverpool then you never know what is going to come around the corner. With the U21s at England, I’m so happy to represent my country and playing U21 football is massive as well. It’s just about focusing on Liverpool, putting in the performances that I can do with the team and if I’m called upon at the end of the season I’ll be very, very happy and honoured and very willing to go. But it’s not going to happen if I’m not putting in performances at Liverpool.
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