Thursday, September 30, 2010

Sammy Lee Admits Reds' Season So Far Has Been A 'Mixed Bag'

Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee has acknowledged that the Reds have looked a little out of sorts so far this season, struggling to find form and consistency.

However, Lee is confident that things will turn round soon as the club adjusts the new management regime headed by Roy Hodgson.

"It's been a bit of a mixed bag so far," Lee told the club's official website.

"There are a lot of positives we can take from every game we've played and there have been some negatives, but we tend not to dwell on that.

"We know we are not 100 per cent right, but we are working very hard to try and perfect what we are trying to do.

"It is a period of transition and change. People need to embrace that change. It will take time and the boss has said that.

"The table is quite tight and only a few points separate a lot of the teams, but what we need to do is to start turning possession into goals. If we convert the chances we are creating then we will be okay.

"We can see what we are trying to get out of the players and it is very much a work in progress."

A win rather than a draw at the weekend against Sunderland would have seen Hodgson's team climb to seventh place in the Premier League table.

However, Lee admits that fine margins are crucial in the English top flight and it is up to the team to improve.

"That's what this league is all about. There's a fine line between success and mediocrity," he said.

"We are certainly working hard to make sure we are on the right side of that line.

"What we are trying to implement is difficult at this time but the fans are with us and have stayed with us. It's important for the players because once they know they have the supporters' backing them they will try to win even more for them."

Liverpool face FC Utrecht this week in the Europa League with Dirk Kuyt set to go back to the club where his professional career began.

Lee is expecting a tough test from a team that beat Celtic 4-0 on its way to the group stages of the competition.

"Utrecht are a very good side. They have pace throughout their team and are very well organized. It'll be a difficult game," he added.

"We've been well briefed on them. Any side that beats Celtic 4-0 are going to be a difficult proposition, especially at home. I think they've won five out of their last six there, so we know they are solid team.

"It will also be an emotional time for both Dirk and John Achterberg [goalkeeping coach] - whose family come from there. It will be good for them to go back there and hopefully we will come home with the right result."

Kuyt had been absent with a shoulder injury until the weekend game with Sunderland. Lee is pleased to have such an important player back in the frame for selection for the game in the Netherlands.

He explained: "You like to have all your playing staff back and to have someone like Dirk available again is important because the contribution and experience he brings to the team is vital. The work-rate he puts in is phenomenal."

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