Daniel: Let me explain 'my thing'
Champions League qualification would represent progress for Liverpool this season according to vice-captain Daniel Agger, who has revealed why he craves winning over everything.
The Reds kick-started their Barclays Premier League quest with a deserved 1-0 victory over Stoke City last weekend and travel to Aston Villa on Saturday for their first away clash of the campaign.
Three points from the clash with the Potters handed Brendan Rodgers' team victory on the opening day of the season for the first time in five years - and Agger is determined to make the result a regular habit.
"I have this thing: every time I go onto the pitch I want to win," the No.5 told Liverpoolfc.com.
"There's nothing else, there's no second place for me; it's all about winning.
"But I think a big step for us would be to get a Champions League spot. We have spoken so much about that, and to be back in that tournament is important."
It was Agger who held his head in his hands when the Dane was penalised for handball in the closing moments of the encounter with Stoke on the opening day.
Simon Mignolet's stunning penalty save from Jonathan Walters ensured the Reds claimed a win, however, and prompted scenes of wild celebration at Anfield.
The centre-back said: "We haven't done that for a long time so you could say that's something new to us.
"To get a good start is vital, not to get too far behind from the beginning and you have to chase in the second half of the season. That's so difficult.
"I hope we can continue that because I thought we played a good game on Saturday.
"You could see it in the players, the way we reacted, and the way the fans reacted - everybody was together. That's what we want.
"It just helps the team grow in confidence, in the beginning of the season that's what you want; to get confidence and continue that.
"The mood has always been good but we've been working together now for more than a year. That's what we're trying to improve and I think we're doing that."
The Reds ran out 2-1 winners on their last trip to Villa Park, in March of this year, but can expect a tough proposition judging by the 3-1 result Paul Lambert's team recorded over Arsenal on the opening day.
"To go away and beat Arsenal is a big achievement, and the way they did it," noted Agger.
"They have some good players, strong players up front, quick players. They are definitely a good side."
Christian Benteke struck twice in that encounter at the Emirates, repeating the feat he achieved at Anfield last season.
"He's strong, he's quick - he's a difficult player," said the 28-year-old. "But every week we play against difficult players so you have to get used to it."