Monday, July 18, 2011

Carra Eyes Winning Start

Vice-captain Jamie Carragher believes a solid start to the season is crucial if Liverpool is to make an impression this term.

The Reds begin their new Premier League campaign at home to Sunderland on 13th August, desperate to put two indifferent seasons behind them.

A steady finish last season under Kenny Dalglish's guidance has renewed optimism at Anfield, and veteran Carragher is setting his sights much higher this time around.

"We'll have to see how the season goes but we know that the expectations are there. We're like any club in that we want to do well," he told the club's official website.

"The start of the season is the time when things can get ruined for you if you don't get good results early on so we have to focus on that first game against Sunderland, make sure we take three points and then go from there.

"It's all well and good people saying last season that Liverpool almost made Europe and moved up the table, but our standards are raised higher than that and we want to do better."

Club legend Dalglish took over in January after Roy Hodgson's ill-fated stint was brought to a premature end, and Carragher is eager for the turnaround to continue.

He said: "Kenny has had a major impact since coming in at a time when results weren't going too well for us. Since he and Steve Clarke arrived they have done a great job and hopefully we can carry that into next season.

"It's great to work with Kenny again because he is a legend of the club, not just as a player but as a manager as well. He is someone who everyone looks up to and the foreign players will be aware of him also."

Meanwhile, new signing Charlie Adam, signed for an undisclosed fee from Blackpool, admits his compatriot Dalglish was a key factor in his decision to join the Reds' revival.

"He gave the whole place a lift when he came in January and he is clearly the perfect man for this club," said the Scotland international.

"He has so much respect for it, the fans love him and I am sure we can be successful. That's why I signed for Liverpool.

"It's one of the biggest clubs in the world and I can't wait for the season to start now."

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