Clyne: I want trophies - not a rest
Nathaniel Clyne has no concerns over his fitness as Liverpool's relentless schedule takes them to Southampton on Wednesday, and insists he is thinking only of a chance at silverware.
The Reds play their fourth fixture in 11 days as they meet Ronald Koeman's team in the Capital One Cup quarter-finals at St Mary's - and the workload isn't set to ease as the festive period approaches.
By the time the final whistle sounds on their Barclays Premier League trip to West Ham United in exactly a month's time, Jürgen Klopp's men will have clocked up a further eight games.
But Clyne, who has sat out just one fixture this season, September's 1-1 draw with Bordeaux, isn't desperate for a break from first-team duties.
Instead, he is focused solely on the push for what would be the first trophy of his career.
“I’m feeling good,” he said. “I’m young, I’m fit and healthy, and always up for playing games.
“I enjoy playing and the more games I play, the better I feel.
“This is definitely a great chance to win a trophy. Win this and we will be in the semis.
“I got to the semis in this competition with Palace. We beat Man United but then we lost to Cardiff. It’s highs and lows.
“It would be great to go further. We’re in good form and we want to keep that run going.
“We’ve just got to keep on putting in performances. Beating some of the best teams definitely gives us the confidence that we can go all the way.”
Clyne has been an ever-present under Klopp since the German boss' appointment back in October.
But the England right-back is still being pushed to improve by his new manager, who expects to see more attacking contributions from his wide defenders.
“My role has certainly changed under the new manager,” he added.
“I’d say definitely pressing on the front foot, setting the trap for the opposition team and getting forward more on the pitch. We’re also looking more solid defensively as well.
“The manager has tried to make me more confident in my ability as a player to go and express myself, not to hold back.
“You can definite hear him on the sidelines. If he’s got something to say you can hear him. He always shouts out tactics and is always encouraging players to run faster and put more effort into the game.
“I suppose he’s given me that extra confidence to get forward and to develop as a player.
“Maybe I wasn’t as confident as I should have been. When you come to a new club you may hold back and not take so many risks, but now I’ve played a few games I can take more risks and enjoy myself.
“I can go out there and express myself because he has confidence in you. If you lose the ball, it’s a case of not worrying, and just going out and doing it again.”