Liverpool are 'not talking about the title' says Martin Skrtel says after revealing he considered quitting Anfield in the summer
The defender scored twice against Arsenal at the weekend
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Martin Skrtel could be forgiven for hoping he will add to his personal goal tally tonight against Fulham, but despite bringing themselves back into title contention, the defender says Liverpool are not talking about winning the Premier League.
The Slovakian defender was on target twice in last weekend's victory over Arsenal to close the gap at the top of the table.
Tonight, the Reds will hope to continue their strong run of form which sees them unbeaten in 2014 and with Skrtel having scored against the Cottagers the last two times he has played them, he will he hopeful of adding to his tally.
But even if Liverpool leave London with three points, they are not contemplating being top of the table come May.
“It is going to be a tough game,” Skrtel said ahead of tonight's game against the bottom team in the Premier League.
“They are fighting against relegation and it’s a different test.
“We have to show the kind of performance we did on Saturday and try to bring the three points home with us.
“No-one in the dressing room is talking about the title.
“We still have to play 13 matches and anything can happen so we are just going from game to game.
“We will try to get as many points as we can. We are fighting for the top four and the result against Arsenal showed we are ready for the battle.”
Skrtel has been a key member of Brendan Rodgers side this season, but he could well have been playing elsewhere this term.
“I would be lying if I said I didn’t think about leaving,” Skrtel said.
“It wasn’t easy for me after last season. I was on the bench in the second part of the season and that was something new for me.
“But it is not easy to leave a club like Liverpool because they are still one of the best clubs in the world. After six years here it was not easy to say ‘okay, I’m leaving’."
The 29-year-old believes he made the right decision by staying at Anfield.
“Before this season started I just said to myself ‘I will fight and work very hard to try to show people I am able to play and start the games’.
“I tried to work very hard in training every day and when I got a chance to play I tried to do my best to help the team.
“After games like Saturday’s (against Arsenal) I am just so glad and so happy that I stayed.
“Liverpool are a massive club and I just wanted to prove to people I am able to play for this club.”
He added: “I’ve never played in a game when the opening 20 minutes was like that.
“To be winning 4-0 so early against such a good team was amazing.
“We spoke before the game about needing to start well, to try to press them and score an early goal. It worked well.
“It was a terrific afternoon for every single person working for Liverpool FC. When you beat a team like Arsenal 5-1 it’s something special.
“It was a great win victory and a massive three points for us. Everybody in the team worked really hard for it.
“Our record against the big teams at home so far this season has been perfect. That is different compared to previous years and we need to keep it going.”
Skrtel admits he has had to adapt his game since Rodgers replaced Kenny Dalglish as manager, but it is something he has taken to after struggling at first.
“When the manager came in he tried to change things and our style we play,” Skrtel said.
“It was something new for all of us. As a defender the main thing is always to defend and try to protect your goal but I have also had to make changes.
“I knew the last season wasn’t the best for me. I made a few mistakes and cost us some points but this season I think it is much better.
“Things are working well at the moment. I want to stay in the team and carry on in this way until the end of the season.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments