InterviewKostas Tsimikas on assists, UCL aims and his new LFC song
Kostas Tsimikas says Liverpool will keep fighting with the same hunger and determination after reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.
The Reds remain in the hunt for an unprecedented quadruple of trophies this season, having already lifted the Carabao Cup in February.
Jürgen Klopp’s side secured passage into the final four in Europe on Wednesday night and now face an Emirates FA Cup semi-final meeting with Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday afternoon.
Tsimikas earned the Player of the Match award at Anfield in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Benfica after notching two assists.
Read our post-match interview with the full-back below...
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On the importance of getting the job done on the night…
Yeah, of course – we wanted to win. At the end, we didn’t win, we drew, but we’re happy. We got through and we have to continue to work hard if we want to achieve our goals.
On his satisfaction with his own performance, which included two assists…
I’m very, very happy. I’m very happy for the two assists. My hard work pays off. This gives me extra motivation to keep working hard and do exactly that, play for this team. I always enjoy when I play for this family. I’m very happy.
Best of Kostas Tsimikas' display against Benfica
On the Reds’ display during the second leg…
We had a good performance but we had some bad moments in the defence. But, at the end, we got through – this is what we played for. We wanted to win. We didn’t get it, but it’s OK. We have to work hard if we want to win the next games to achieve our goals.
On his contributions to the team and being part of this Liverpool squad…
It’s always a pleasure when I play for this family. I always try to give my best when they give me the chance. I’m always there for this team, to fight for every place, to do what we can do. I’m very, very happy for that. All the times they give me the chance, I will be there and I will show exactly that.
On another semi-final for the Reds and wanting to go on and win the Champions League…
Of course: it’s my biggest dream to win the Champions League. It was one of my goals when I came here. I want it really so much. I will work hard with the boys to really achieve this. We deserve it with all the work we do every day. We’ll go for it.
On whether he’s loving the intensity of the fixture schedule…
Yeah, of course. As we saw today, everybody in this team is ready for that, for every challenge. We train really, really hard and we work very, very hard. We show every game – no matter who is playing – we have the same goals: to win the games, to play, to have the performances and to win.
On Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City…
I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a very tough game with a very tough opponent. But still we have some days to work, to be prepared, to be focused for this game. Hopefully we win.
On having his own LFC song now…
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I’m very, very happy for that. I hear it almost every day. Hopefully they sing it on the pitch. These things, as a player, give you extra motivation. For me also, it’s a very, very special moment when I heard it the first time.
This article has been automatically translated and, while all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some errors in translation are possible. Please refer to the original English-language version of the article for the official version.