Dalglish: What I Want In 2012

Kenny Dalglish is hoping the New Year will bring Liverpool the fortune he believes their impressive display so far this season deserve.

While delighted with the manner in which his side has performed in 2011-12, the boss feels the Reds haven't enjoyed much luck - a point highlighted by the 17 efforts they have seen come back off the woodwork already this term.

However, Dalglish is hopeful fate will shine more favourably on his charges in 2012 - starting at Manchester City on Tuesday night.

He told his pre-match press conference: "As I've said many times before, I don't think the players have had their reward for the performances they deserve.

"Maybe January 3 is going to be the game we get the little bit we deserve for the great play, effort and commitment the players have put in. We'll keep our fingers crossed.

"To get 2011 out of the way was good for us because I don't think we've had too much luck in the matches we've played in the first part of the season."

Liverpool will aim to become the first team to win at the Etihad Stadium this season when they take on the Barclays Premier League table toppers.

The Reds were unfortunate not to inflict defeat upon City when the two teams met at Anfield in November as they played out a 1-1 draw.

Nonetheless, Dalglish knows his side faces a tough test.

He said: "We'll have a look, see how we're going and how we're going to play.

"We've got the utmost respect for what they've done. It's all very well and good saying they've got a lot of money, but they've also got a good team.

"We'll just go and play whatever 11 they put on the pitch. It doesn't matter what they cost. We'll give a lot for the football club and try and get a result."

The trip to Manchester will be the first of three clashes with City this month, with the two-legged Carling Cup semi-final to follow.

Journalists quizzed Dalglish on whether the return of Steven Gerrard was even more timely given Januarys' fixture schedule.

The manager replied: "We're delighted to get any one of our players back. Everyone of our players we value.

"They're all very important to us and we'll respect and appreciate everything they do for the football club.

"Some will get more credit than others, some might get a bit more stick than others, but they all put in a good shift and we're delighted with the efforts of every player that's been here, especially in the first part of this season."

Meanwhile, Dalglish was quizzed for his thoughts on City's fixture list, with Roberto Mancini's side due to face Liverpool just two days after travelling to Sunderland on New Year's Day.

"I think Roberto made a great point here after the game when he said the players' union should be the ones canvassing for the players," he said. "If you think the games are coming up thick and fast, then what do the players' union think of it?

"I think television has been massively helpful to many people in the Premier League, so we cannot cut off the hand that feeds us.

"There has to be a bit of common sense and I think a game on January 1st and 3rd is a bit unreasonable. In general, there has got to be a reasonable amount of time for the players to recover.

"I know people have said he has a massive squad and enough to field two teams, but the players still have to be taken into consideration because, after all, they're the ones that are the attraction."