Interview'We're on a mission' – Joe Gomez on Premier League title race, Old Trafford trip and more

The Reds visit Old Trafford knowing that victory would keep them a minimum of two points clear at the top of the table with just seven top-flight games remaining in Jürgen Klopp’s final season at the club.

Sunday’s trip comes only three weeks after Gomez and his teammates were edged 4-3 in a thrilling Emirates FA Cup quarter-final at United’s home ground and the England international knows lessons must be learned from that defeat this time around.

Read Liverpoolfc.com’s pre-match interview with Gomez below…

Joe, it’s not very long since your last trip to Old Trafford – how much of a motivator is that ahead of this game?

Yeah, obviously the way it ended last time round in the FA Cup was pretty disappointing for us. We obviously had good phases in the game and we couldn’t see it out but, onto the next. It’s a different competition, we know we’ll have to bring momentum there, it’s a tough place to go and they are still a top team so we have to be at it and ready.

Was that a frustrating match because you had chances to take control of it but never quite did? It didn’t have to end the way it did…

Yeah, I think that’s the most frustrating aspect of it but it’s a reminder that we have to be ruthless and take our chances to see out games, and things can swing so quickly. So, hopefully we have control again and we can get in that position to punish this time.

Do you expect them to be as attacking as they were in that game? It seemed like they perhaps approached it differently because it was a cup tie, whereas this time it’s in the league so they may be more cautious…

I mean, they’re at home. I don’t think the atmosphere [and fans] would appreciate them playing a low block and sitting off so I’m sure they will be up for it and will come out at us, and it’s up to us to deal with that atmosphere and go for them.

How much are you enjoying this season personally, with how much you’ve been able to contribute so far?

Yeah, I obviously appreciate it. Everybody knows how long I’ve been here and what the club means to me, but I think it’s about laser focus, taking it one game at a time. We’re obviously on a mission here and there is no time to dwell or rest on our laurels or think about where we’ve come this season. It’s just about trying to see it out and getting what we can from it, which hopefully is the cream of the crop.

‘On a mission’ is a good way to put it as you’ve been relentless as a team and personally, you’ve taken on so many different roles but have just got on with the job in front of you…

Yeah, it has to be [like that] – I think that’s what the gaffer expects of us, it’s what we have to do. It’s our jobs and obviously it’s been interesting at times and a challenge to switch between different roles, but I’m just happy to contribute to the team and give my all. But like I said, we are all focused on the end goal and it’s nothing without that in our eyes, and I think in the supporters’ eyes they feel the same, so we want to come away with something to prove that we have put in that effort this year.

You’ve rightfully had so many plaudits this season but did it give you an extra boost to get back in the England squad for the March internationals?

Yeah, obviously it meant a lot for me and I expressed that when I was there. It was, like I said, a full-circle moment, not to be cliché, but it meant a lot considering where I came from in that chapter of my life and with that moment in my career. I appreciate it massively but it sort of felt special to get back here on the weekend and play and now I just want to see it out. We are all full-throttle and the manager has emphasised that: we know what we are fighting for and it just emphasised to me how special it is to be here, going away and coming back. It’s such a good group, such a good environment, and we are all blessed to be here.

Finally, would finishing the season with another piece of silverware be one of the most satisfying trophies you have won here?

I think the Premier League is obviously a massive target of ours and I think considering the scenario [with the manager leaving], we all know why we want to do it and I think it would just make it that much sweeter. Yeah, he obviously doesn’t emphasise that – ‘Do it for him!’ – but we know why we want to do it and we’ve all got that fire. We just need to see it out and give our all: that’s all we can do, and see where we land.