ReactionJoe Gomez: We've just got to go again - and we'll do that
Joe Gomez was delighted to return to Liverpool’s starting XI in the Premier League and explained why togetherness is essential as the Reds seek to build on their win at West Ham United.
The defender made his first top-flight start since last season’s victory at London Stadium some 11 months ago as Arne Slot’s side ended a run of three consecutive defeats with a 2-0 result in the capital on Sunday afternoon.
Gomez was an assured presence at right-back and completed the full 90 minutes of a game in which Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo got the goals.
Indeed, the No.2 crowned an excellent individual performance by assisting Gakpo’s stoppage-time clincher and, post-match, he told Liverpoolfc.com: “Obviously it means a lot for me [to start in the Premier League again].
“The last time I was here, it was where I got my first injury, but I do everything I can to stay available and try to help the squad. The main thing is just us sticking together, it’s a tough schedule now with back-to-back [games]. We’ve just to go again – and we’ll do that.”
Read the rest of our chat with Gomez below.
On the key to the win…
Obviously I think the quality of the team is never going to just dissipate and not be there. I think there was definitely an emphasis on trying to have a solid foundation and trying to keep a clean sheet and defensively being sound, and then we know we have so much quality going forward that things will happen, the boys will get chances and they can take them. So, I think we have to take the win and appreciate it – obviously it’s been a tough time so it’s not about disregarding it but it’s also about just knowing it’s one of many and hopefully a bounce-board for us to crack on.
On whether the game plan involved being more conservative in an attempt to keep a clean sheet…
Yeah, I think definitely. Obviously we want to play a style of football where it’s combinations and certain patterns of play but at the same time that can sometimes leave us a bit open. It’s obviously a balance and we’re also away from home. Every game in the Premier League is tough and we’ve obviously felt that, and it’s just hopefully a foundation for us to build on.
On how challenging the recent period has been compared to other tough moments in his 10-year Liverpool career…
It’s been tough. Everyone obviously takes it differently, for the boys who have just come it probably feels different to how I’ve seen it [in the past]. Obviously there is a massive expectation at this club and you’ve got to feel the weight of the shirt and do your best for the badge, and we know that. We’ve been just as disappointed as the fans and the main thing is that we’re all in it together and we can feel that – we can feel their support, the boys feel it and it’s a balance of trying to not let it overwhelm us and take over us, and hopefully today can take us in the right direction.
On the role he plays in such difficult spells as an experienced player…
I think it’s [about] trying to keep a positive energy, trying to influence the boys in the right way, setting an example on the training pitch, being positive and just keeping the mood. Trying to keep the overall balance amongst the boys, speaking to the younger lads and just saying, ‘Keep going.’ Sometimes it’s a small, positive comment that can lift them and keep them in a good place, just to know that I’m here for them, all of us are here for you, we’re all supporting each other and we’re in this together. We’re a squad and these moments, when we come through them, only make us stronger and build resilience. So, yeah, we all do what we can.