NewsLuis Diaz: Now we have to make a proper start to the season
The Reds have been limited to two points from their opening three Premier League fixtures, with draws against Fulham and Crystal Palace followed by a defeat at Manchester United on Monday night.
An Anfield clash with AFC Bournemouth this weekend provides Jürgen Klopp’s team with another chance to post a first victory of the top-flight campaign.
“We knew in advance it was going to be a difficult game,” Diaz reflected on the trip to Old Trafford. “We were fully aware of what kind of rivalry exists between the clubs and we knew we had a big task ahead of us. It didn’t go our way on the day.
“We know now we have to just do our job and train hard, rest hard and look forward to the next game, when we can hopefully accumulate some points and get a proper start to the season.”
Diaz has started each of Liverpool’s four competitive matches so far in 2022-23, with Mohamed Salah also a fixture on the opposite side of the attack.
The former is relishing the experience of playing and training with – and learning from – the level of quality possessed by Salah and the rest of the squad since he arrived at the club in January.
“It’s stupendous for me, being able to share my position in the team with Mo,” said Diaz.
“I’ve seen him over many years on television at so many tournaments and I’d like to say I’m proud of myself, having reached this position where I can share with him these experiences, to wear the same shirt and be a teammate of his. It’s really something special.
“Every day, playing alongside players like him, it helps you to improve, not just in a footballing sense as a player but also as a person.
“He’s a great guy and there’s a very special connection between him and me, and between all of us, in fact.”
Diaz’s first goal of the new season was a magnificent solo effort that rescued a point versus Palace at Anfield last week.
Just moments after the Reds had been reduced to 10 men, the Colombia international cut in off the left flank, slalomed past five opponents and thumped a finish into the far corner.
- Want to watch this video? Register for a FREE MyLFC account now – also includes more content, exclusive competitions, newsletters and much more
The No.23 acknowledged the importance of adding his name to the scoresheet as frequently as possible.
“I’d like to give thanks to God that I scored that goal,” he said. “It helped us to get that big point, a very important point for us, so I was thrilled to score that.
“I think it’s important I make myself available to receive these opportunities to go on and score.
“The fans, I’ve felt from the very outset there’s this strong passion, respect and love for me. I felt it straight away. I can feel they are the greatest fans out there.”