After some re-decorating at Liverpool's training ground, Javier Mascherano wants to have his portrait painted.
The interior decoration has changed at Melwood, Liverpool's training ground, this week. Murals have been painted depicting the club's glory nights in Europe, and Javier Mascherano is impressed, but also a little jealous.
"Hopefully, in a few years, I will be here on the walls," said Argentina's new captain. "A picture of me and my teammates with the European Cup."
Mascherano is confident that this Reds side has the necessary quality and character to go far, not just in European competition, where Rafa Benitez has proved his management abilities time and again, but also domestically.
Mascherano knows that the true test for this Liverpool team is to recapture the league title that the Anfield side hasn't held for 19 long years. But he thinks he and his team-mates have every chance of ending the supporters' long wait.
"We are towards the top of the table in the Premier League, which is positive, and we are also going well in Europe," said the 24-year-old.
"The most important thing is the team and we know our target at the start of every game is to win our battles in all areas of the pitch. It doesn’t matter if you are playing away or at home, you have to try to play the same way and impose our game on our opponents.
"Our confidence is also good because we have not lost many games. This is good for all of the players."
He also feels that key to their success has been the way his hard, defensive qualities have complemented Xabi Alonso's assured passing game at the axis of Liverpool's midfield, although the Red's strength in depth in the central positions is a bonus.
"Xabi is playing really well at the moment and I enjoy playing with him," Mascherano added.
"It is not a surprise, though, because he is such a good player. He is one of the best midfielders in the world. We have been playing together for almost two years now so we have a good understanding with each other.
"The manager has different options and he can choose whichever players he needs for each game."
The return to full fitness of Fernando Torres is seen as a massive boost by Mascherano, who feels that the Spaniard adds valuable quality to the team and creates even more competition for places.
"It is good for all of us to have Fernando back. He played against Bolton and then a full game against Fulham. He is playing well, working hard all the time, pressing the opposition and doing well for the team," the midfielder explained.
"I think we are stronger than last season – maybe we have more options now.
"We have players who can play in different positions so the manager can move them around. Everyone is working really hard in training to be named in the side.
"We have improved our team. We are stronger now and working hard to progress. We have a number of players who have been together two or three years so the understanding is much better and we are showing this on the pitch."
And Mascherano concluded by praising Liverpool's match-going fans, who create a superb atmosphere on which the players thrive.
"When you feel your supporters behind you like they are here it gives you a lot of confidence. It makes you want to win every single game."
If Liverpool can just win the ones that matter, maybe Mascherano's portrait will be on the walls at Melwood sooner than even he expects.
The interior decoration has changed at Melwood, Liverpool's training ground, this week. Murals have been painted depicting the club's glory nights in Europe, and Javier Mascherano is impressed, but also a little jealous.
"Hopefully, in a few years, I will be here on the walls," said Argentina's new captain. "A picture of me and my teammates with the European Cup."
Mascherano is confident that this Reds side has the necessary quality and character to go far, not just in European competition, where Rafa Benitez has proved his management abilities time and again, but also domestically.
Mascherano knows that the true test for this Liverpool team is to recapture the league title that the Anfield side hasn't held for 19 long years. But he thinks he and his team-mates have every chance of ending the supporters' long wait.
"We are towards the top of the table in the Premier League, which is positive, and we are also going well in Europe," said the 24-year-old.
"The most important thing is the team and we know our target at the start of every game is to win our battles in all areas of the pitch. It doesn’t matter if you are playing away or at home, you have to try to play the same way and impose our game on our opponents.
"Our confidence is also good because we have not lost many games. This is good for all of the players."
He also feels that key to their success has been the way his hard, defensive qualities have complemented Xabi Alonso's assured passing game at the axis of Liverpool's midfield, although the Red's strength in depth in the central positions is a bonus.
"Xabi is playing really well at the moment and I enjoy playing with him," Mascherano added.
"It is not a surprise, though, because he is such a good player. He is one of the best midfielders in the world. We have been playing together for almost two years now so we have a good understanding with each other.
"The manager has different options and he can choose whichever players he needs for each game."
The return to full fitness of Fernando Torres is seen as a massive boost by Mascherano, who feels that the Spaniard adds valuable quality to the team and creates even more competition for places.
"It is good for all of us to have Fernando back. He played against Bolton and then a full game against Fulham. He is playing well, working hard all the time, pressing the opposition and doing well for the team," the midfielder explained.
"I think we are stronger than last season – maybe we have more options now.
"We have players who can play in different positions so the manager can move them around. Everyone is working really hard in training to be named in the side.
"We have improved our team. We are stronger now and working hard to progress. We have a number of players who have been together two or three years so the understanding is much better and we are showing this on the pitch."
And Mascherano concluded by praising Liverpool's match-going fans, who create a superb atmosphere on which the players thrive.
"When you feel your supporters behind you like they are here it gives you a lot of confidence. It makes you want to win every single game."
If Liverpool can just win the ones that matter, maybe Mascherano's portrait will be on the walls at Melwood sooner than even he expects.
No comments:
Post a Comment