Ibe: Vital for Reds to keep silverware bid on track

The Reds head to the Britannia Stadium for the first leg of their meeting with Potters knowing that a positive scoreline will give them a great chance of securing a trip to Wembley in the return fixture at Anfield on January 26.

Ibe is doubly keen to get to the home of English football having been cup-tied for last season’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Aston Villa there.

And he also knows just how much the supporters want to see another trophy put in the Anfield cabinet, with Liverpool chasing what would be a record ninth success in the League Cup.

“It’s massive. The club has not won a cup in a few years now so it’s vital for us to try and win one,” he told Liverpoolfc.com.

“It could [also] build confidence in the other cups we’ve got and the Premier League it’ll give us the confidence to do better.

“It seems like we’re so close. Two games until Wembley and we’re so close to actually winning a cup for Liverpool.”

Ibe knows getting beyond the semi-final won’t be easy, however, with Stoke possessing both the defensive steel and attacking nous to cause the Reds plenty of problems.

As a result, the winger acknowledges that a 0-0 draw in Staffordshire would not be a bad result, even if the priority is to win.

“You’ve seen in previous games that they’re tough to break down so it will be an exciting game. Hopefully we can get the win we need, win the home game, and get to Wembley,” he added.

“Their front four players have been terrific so far, they’ve got some quality up there. It’s just for our defenders and the whole XI and take the chances we’ve had in previous games and be clinical.

“The manager said if we’re not getting the chances or not putting them away, it’s vital for us to just keep it 0-0. 

“But everyone in the team is fired up and trying to win this game instead of a 0-0 so we can set up the game to come at Anfield.”

The meeting with Mark Hughes’ men is Liverpool’s second fixture of seven to be played during what is a hectic January.

But Ibe has given his backing to manager Jürgen Klopp’s declaration that fatigue is only an issue if the players allow it to be.

“Everyone said around the Christmas break it’s going to be difficult, there are games every three or four days and people are getting a bit tired,” he added.

“It’s vital for us to do the right recovery and hopefully we can keep building through January, win some games, and see ourselves back up there.

“It’s tough in the game, but it’s just about having - as the manager said many times - the mentality and staying strong in the mind. 

“Even if you are tired there are players on the bench that can do the same job so give it your all and if you have to come off there are players who are ready.”

Since returning from a loan spell with Derby County 12 months ago, Ibe has played an increasingly prominent role in the Reds’ first team but he remains focused on using every minute he gets on the pitch to improve.

When told he had featured in 23 games across all competitions so far this term, the No.33 replied: “I didn’t even know it was that many games! 

“I’m enjoying it, learning new things, and hopefully I can just keep getting better. There are so many things that I need to learn.

“It’s not just goals but end product, trying to get assists as well. I’m just trying to learn from [teammates] and other players in the Premier League and just better myself. There’s a lot more I need to improve on.

“[The manager] is great, he’s like a father figure to all the players and very encouraging. Obviously he has a laugh now and again but he talks to us on a serious note and I’m enjoying it so far and I’m sure all the other players are.

“He gives all the players confidence and with winning games and playing games we’re building more confidence and it helps a player to improve.”

Secure a brilliant hospitality package for the second leg at Anfield on January 26. Click here to find out more.