InterviewLuis Diaz reveals the secret to Liverpool's success so far this season
Togetherness and collective spirit are the driving factors behind Liverpool’s impressive season to date, Luis Diaz believes.
The Reds have lost just twice in 33 games across all competitions during Arne Slot’s first campaign in charge and sit top of both the Premier League and Champions League tables, as well as in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup and the Emirates FA Cup fourth round.
Their latest victory came on Tuesday night as Lille were beaten 2-1 at Anfield to make it seven consecutive victories in the Champions League’s league phase – a perfect run of form that secured their place in the last 16 with a match to spare.
And, in an interview featured in the latest official matchday programme, Diaz said: “We’re very happy and very pleased about the season we’re having.
“The secret lies in the fact that we’ve created a great group, a big family, both on the pitch in games and in our training sessions. I think that the new coaching staff that came in have also been spot on with their work all this time and have played a massive role in this too. That has been fundamental.
“And as for us, I think that we’ve been carrying out what we work on and practise in training. It’s true that we’re in top spot in [the Premier League and Champions League], that are so important to us. It’s really key, to be honest, as it brings with it a huge boost in confidence, and we’ll keep working in the same way.
“We have to carry on with that same theme and dynamic because we haven’t won anything at all yet and, of course, there is a long way to go.
“So, it’s just more of the same, keeping our feet on the ground and continuing to work just the way we have been because that way we can achieve our objectives, while keeping our minds fully focused on winning.”
Diaz’s running tally of 12 goals this season is just one shy of his total for the whole of 2023-24 and he is determined to beat that record.
The Colombia forward added: “Achieving my best total – that’s the idea. I’ve been working on it [finishing] since coming back into pre-season training. That’s the plan, to keep improving, to keep performing well and always trying to ensure that the next season is even better.
“That’s always been my mindset, when the new season comes around, to try to look beyond what I’d achieved previously. So, I’ll keep going and I already know that this year is going to be much better than the last one.
“I always focus on my own personal targets and always try to reach them, and so right now I feel great in myself, full of confidence, and pretty relaxed on that score. Let’s hope we can continue in this same vein so I can do my bit for the team, which I believe is the most important thing.”
The No.7 has been serenaded with his catchy song by supporters throughout the campaign and, specifically on playing at home, he commented: “Anfield is just so great. It has such a special atmosphere, which is unique to the stadium.
“And the fans here are just so passionate in their support of the team and their club. Every game here is a cauldron of atmosphere.
“They cheer and shout and fill the place with that special energy that as a team you really need. As a player you feed off it to really motivate yourself and get up for the game and it helps you to get out there, start well and really take the game to the opposition.”
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