Friday, September 16, 2011

Dalglish: Skrtel An Example To All

Kenny Dalglish has saluted the attitude of Martin Skrtel following the defender's impressive displays in an unfamiliar right back role.

The Slovakia international assumed the position following an injury to Martin Kelly in the recent win over Bolton and gave another solid showing in the defeat at Stoke.

The Reds boss acknowledges it isn't a natural fit for the No.37 but feels it illustrates the squad's overall desire to put the team first.

Dalglish said: "He's been playing out of position but it's been no problem for him. He came on against Bolton and was very, very comfortable.

"One of the benefits of this group of players is that they are prepared to play wherever they can get a game.

"They will do their very best and if it is not right, then it is not their problem, it is ours.

"There is no way Martin Skrtel is ever going to let you down through lack of commitment. He's played right-back in the last two games and done brilliantly. He doesn't look out of place to me. If we have to keep him there, then we will keep him there.

"Martin's been given the opportunity and he's done the best that he can. He'll continue to do that and I'm sure if somebody else gets the opportunity they will be exactly the same. I don't think too many of them will put their hands up to play in goal though!"

Dalglish's business in the summer transfer market means competition for places is now as fierce as ever at Anfield.

The Scot admits it gives him plenty of options when selecting his starting XI and insists that his players are aware that rotation will be necessary as the Reds battle for honours on three fronts.

"It's important people understand that there aren't many times that a player gets dropped now. There are going to be changes made at every football club," he said.

"You won't have the same sheet that says the same this August as last August. You just make your decisions and you can judge what you see.

"You also take into account the opposition and your own players. As I said last week, we don't have a team, we have a squad. And we have a very strong squad. That's the most important thing.

"It's logical to think that there will be different faces every week. But not just for the sake of doing it. It is for the benefit of the football club.

"The players get to grips with it better than maybe some other people do. It's just a fact of life that there will be changes."

He added: "If you look back I did it when I was here first (as manager). It was only when someone said there would be rotation that there were objections. Football fans fully understand it and they want to see us play the best we possibly can and get the best results we can."

No comments: