PRESS CONFERENCE;Harvey Elliott: I want to keep kicking on and take every opportunity

 


Harvey Elliott spoke of his determination to ‘kick on’ and take his chances as Liverpool turn their focus to a Europa League quarter-final with Atalanta.

The Reds are now preparing for the first leg of their tie against the Italian side, having drawn 2-2 at Old Trafford in the Premier League last weekend.

Elliott was impactful as a substitute in that contest and won the penalty that Mohamed Salah converted to salvage a point for Jürgen Klopp’s men.

It was the No.19’s 44th appearance of the campaign, with his game time split between 21 starts and 23 introductions from the bench so far.

Ahead of Thursday night’s Anfield clash with Atalanta at 8pm BST, Elliott spoke to the media at a press conference – read the Q&A in full below…

On the current mood among the squad after the weekend draw at Manchester United…

We were very disappointed after the game. But I think it was quickly forgotten about; the good thing about football is we’re able to go into another game a few days after, so our preparations quickly changed to this game. For us, it’s just about going out and now putting in a positive performance.

On there being an added desire to lift the Europa League this season because it’s a trophy Klopp has yet to win…

Absolutely. It’s another great trophy to win as well for us. And I think with the circumstances of what’s going on and the gaffer leaving at the end of the season, to sign off [by] winning it would be the best possible way. We’re going to do everything we can as players to make sure that happens. We just want to give everything back to the gaffer, he has been very influential in our careers.

On whether he finds it ‘difficult’ to be coming off the bench in games and trying to make an impact…

Not really. For me it’s just about making sure I’m analysing the game, seeing where I can exploit different teams and seeing the areas I can put myself in and attack from that way. Quite frankly, I want to be starting games, I want to be a player walking out rather than coming on – it doesn’t mean I’m not grateful for coming on the pitch, I’m very grateful for every opportunity I get in a Liverpool shirt. For me it’s just about kicking on for myself and kind of cementing my spot in the team – and I’ll do everything I can to do that.

On still being a ‘young’ player and whether he would speak to the manager about getting more chances…

I’m young but I’m not a kid anymore, I’m a man, I’m growing up quickly and I feel like I need to take responsibility into my own hands. If that means me knocking on the gaffer’s door, then it’s going to have to happen! But at the same time I do need to wait for my opportunities, I do need to be patient. But when I get them, I just want to take them and I want to cement my spot in the team.

On how he goes about pushing for a starting place…

I think it’s a bit of everything really – it’s in training, it’s in the games. For me it’s about being patient, I don’t really like to kick up too much of a fuss; I’m part of the team and I don’t want it to look like I’m being selfish. Whoever goes out and plays deserves to go out and play, there’s no doubt about that, every player is unbelievable and very talented. So it’s just about staying patient and when I do get the opportunities, I need to make sure I take them myself. And I feel like I’ve been doing that to an extent this season, but I’m never satisfied, I need to keep going and putting in the performances.

On whether there’s any differences when preparing for a big European match…

No, it’s the same preparation, we do the same things as it would be for any other game. So there’s no difference in preparation. It’s just about focusing on the game and going out and putting on a performance tomorrow against a tough side. For us as a team we’re ready for anything and we just need to make sure we’re well prepared. Come tomorrow, we need to go out and put in a strong performance.

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