Manchester City vs Liverpool: Dejan Lovren challenges Liverpool teammates to win Premier League undefeated

Liverpool are the only team in the top-four English divisions yet to lose a league match this season

Wednesday 02 January 2019 17:22 GMT
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Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has challenged his teammates to eclipse Manchester City’s record season last year and win the Premier League without losing a match.

Jurgen Klopp’s side face City on Thursday evening in a crucial match that could see Liverpool extend their league lead over the defending champions to 10 points with victory at The Etihad.

Liverpool remain the only undefeated side in the Premier League and Football League, and could become the first team to go unbeaten in the top-flight since Arsenal won the league in 2004-05.

Given their blistering start to the season, Lovren says going unbeaten throughout the season is something his teammates can achieve.

“There are always records to beat,” he told Sky Sports News. "Of course, you need the luck to go your way also, but why not? It’s a challenge for us and every player here.

“Will it be possible? Let’s see at the end of the season.”

With a fully fit squad Lovren failed to get into the Liverpool team at the start of the season, with 21-year-old Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk Klopp’s preferred duo, before making his first league appearance in the 0-0 draw against City in October, where Riyad Mahrez missed the chance to hand City the win from the spot.

Long-term injuries to Gomez and Joel Matip allowed Lovren to establish a partnership with Van Dijk at the back and the 29-year-old stands by his claim that he is one of the world’s best defenders.

Dejan Lovren stands by his claim that he is one of the best defenders in the world
Dejan Lovren stands by his claim that he is one of the best defenders in the world (REUTERS)

"There are not too many players who talk about how they are playing," Lovren said. "When we knocked England out and qualified for the final, I had that moment in my head to say that because I felt like that.

"When you looked at what I achieved in those two months with Liverpool getting to the final of the Champions League and getting to the final of the World Cup, there are not many who could say that.

"Everything depends on the momentum of where you are. I always try to be better than yesterday."

Klopp described City as one of the best teams in the world and Lovren insists Liverpool are in for difficult match. "They may have dropped points but if you look at their performances on the pitch, how they're playing and how many goals they are scoring, there is a reason our manager said they are one of the best in the world,” he said.

"Last year they were in our position and did it amazingly,” Lovren added. “Now we are in their position and we need to learn how they did it and finish the season well.

"We couldn't expect more than this, it's a brilliant feeling. We need to enjoy every game and just concentrate on ourselves and hopefully we can see ourselves in the same position in five months."

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