Skrtel Calls For Liverpool To Perform

Martin Skrtel has called for Liverpool to defend as a team as they hope to improve on their second place finish last season. The Slovakian international was part of the defence that conceded 50 goals last season. This was one of the worst defensive records in the entire English top division, but Liverpool were saved because of their strikers. The likes of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge scored loads of goals to see Liverpool finish only behind City after a marathon season. Pundits argue that this season will be even tougher for Liverpool since they will have to contend with Champions League football.

Skrtel, though, says that the additional players signed during the summer transfer window will help them manage it. He has also dismissed suggestions that Liverpool’s defence alone is to blame for the poor defensive record last season. According to Skrtel, the entire team has a role to play in the defence and they have to take the blame as well. Skrtel came close to leaving Liverpool last summer but he ended up becoming one important players last season. Despite this, he was prone to the odd mistake including the costly error in the 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace, the penultimate game of the season.

"Obviously it hurt but it’s not only about the back four, it's about the team and defending as a group. Because we conceded 50 goals, some people are blaming the back four, but it isn’t just about the back line, it is about defending as a team and that’s the big thing that we need to improve. If we do that we will stop people from talking about the defence. If we can do that and also cut out some of the individual mistakes it will make a big difference,” said the 29-year-old.