James Milner saw the pressures of performing for Liverpool as part of the appeal in joining the club last summer and insists there are “big personalities” in the dressing room capable of rising to the challenge.
Another important week lies ahead, with FC Sion set to visit Anfield for the second Group B contest in the UEFA Europa League before a short journey across Stanley Park for the season’s opening Merseyside derby Sunday.
“That’s what comes with playing for a big club,” the vice-captain tells Liverpoolfc.com. “There’s always going to be that spotlight and pressure.
“When things aren’t going well, it’s going to come down on you. Equally, when things are going well, people can get carried away. It’s important that we keep that level mindset and concentrate on our business.
“It’s when things aren’t going well that you see who wants it the most and who wants to stand up and be counted.
“We’ve got some big personalities and big players who want to stick together and put in performances. It was a big performance at the weekend. That’s a start for us and we need to move on from there.”
When he walks through the entrance at Melwood each morning before practice, Milner is greeted by an immediate reminder on the wall of the trophy haul amassed by his predecessors in previous years.
Far from being daunted by history, the experienced Englishman instead considers it an inspiration for himself and the current crop.
“Every day you walk through reception and see on the wall the number of trophies that have been won,” says the 29-year-old. “That shows how big the club is and it’s used to success.”
Read more from Milner on LiverpoolFC.com >>
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@premierleague
