Peter talks all things LFC with Paul Smith
Hello Paul, firstly, what did you make off the performance down at Southampton and who impressed you the most in that game?
It was a game of two tales with one team full of confidence and the other trying to get out of a rut. I thought Southampton brought the game to us. They started off as the better side but it just shows you can’t switch off against a team like us. The quick break and early goal took the wind out of their sails. Also, I thought we defended really well even when Southampton looked like they where going to score.It wasn’t a great performance from us but it was a well organised one and what we needed to get the 3 points.
What are your thoughts on the recent performances by Loris Karius? Is he improving or have his clean sheets been due to us having been more solid as a back four?
He’s starting to show why Jurgen bought him. Over the past year he hasn’t been given a proper chance or run of games to show what he’s got in his locker. They only way it can happen for him is to show his confidence and to be given it by the manager. His distribution quickness to get us on the counter and to come out and close forwards down is what we’re looking for and he has shown that. He’s still a young lad and hopefully this form continues for him.
Great win in the CL against Porto with some great attacking football, but which of the goals did you enjoy the most?
You have to go with Mo Salah’s. His first touch, then composure to do what he did was unreal. The build-up play leading up to the goal was brilliant too. Although, if Bobby had scored his chance, I might have picked that (laughs).
Would you be looking to extend and improve Mo Salah’s contract already with reports that Madrid are possibly looking at him?
We’ve seen these situations with our best players so many times and look where it has ended up. All smiles then theses so-called bigger clubs are on the end of the other line. Mo has had an unreal season so far and deserves a bumper deal. No silly buy-out clause with maybe no move to Barca in there!
Have you allowed yourself to dream of a sixth European cup and have we got a team that’s capable of winning it, in your opinion?
When the draw for the last 16 came out and it was a trip to Portugal, you couldn’t have been happier. Whoever you play is tough. After that performance, others will be thinking we don’t want a second leg at Anfield. We’re more than capable of going all the way to Kiev. Seeing Hendo lift old big ears for a 6th time would be awesome. Fingers crossed it’s written in the stars.
Looking forward to West Ham, what changes from the last game do you think Klopp will make?
Not many. Emre I expect to come back in having missed out at Porto. Liverpool need to be strong against these as they’re a physical side. No game in midweek, though, so should be ready to go.
Score prediction against West Ham and why please?
At home we’ve been quality and with the long rest I expect us to give West Ham a lesson. 3 points is all I want. I don’t care how it’s done. I’d like to say 3 or 4. But I’m going with 2-0 Salah and Bobby. Up the reds YNWA!
Big thanks to all at FOL for the Q&A Interview
