Programme notes'Our players and supporters are the same: relentless and intense'

The Reds remain in contention to win an unprecedented quadruple after registering victories over Manchester City and Manchester United in their last two outings.

Next up is this afternoon’s Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield and, writing in the official matchday programme, the boss states: “We come into this game after an important result for us in midweek. The performance from the team and the crowd was of the highest level. But we will need exactly the same again today, if not more.

“The best word I can think of to describe the situation at the moment is ‘relentless’. Manchester City at Wembley in a cup semi-final, then Manchester United a few days later… now Everton.

“I’m not complaining for one second and it’s a situation we have fought hard for. But it is relentless and therefore we need to be also.

“The intensity of these games is not an issue. It’s something we crave actually. The more intense the game, the more it usually matters. The intensity reflects how important all these contests are. As with the feeling of relentlessness, it’s about us matching the situation with our performance.

“I want us to continue to be relentless and intense on the pitch as a team. Be the guys who give everything in each moment – not just for spells but constantly. Individually and collectively give all you have in that moment and then do it again and again.

“Likewise from our supporters. The atmosphere being created at the moment mirrors the performance of the team. The noise being created is relentless and intense. The boys are feeding from it.

“Just as important as throwing everything into each individual fixture is making sure we then take the maximum experience from it, when our efforts bring rewards.

“Every media interview at the moment focuses on what might be and that’s fine because that’s our world. Anticipation and expectation is absolutely OK, even though for us as a team it is irrelevant.

“And as I’ve said repeatedly, it’s the supporters’ job to dream and ours to deliver. What I’ve really loved about how we’ve collectively enjoyed moments in recent weeks is that it reflects our mindset of being in the ‘now’ at all times.

“Take the semi-final at Wembley last weekend, as an example. Our supporters extracted the maximum amount of joy from the entire experience. This was evident the whole day, not just because of how the game or result went. And these moments and memories are ours forever now, irrespective of the outcome in the final.

“It’s so important to enjoy a moment for what it is there and then, rather than what it could ultimately lead to. Because you can’t go back and have that moment again retrospectively. I love that we do this together.”

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