Liverpool will play the first match of the new year as they host Newcastle on January 1st. The Reds will have the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table before they have a break in Premier League play. ahead of the match, midfielder Ryan Gravenberch spoke to the media about the squad’s mentality as they sit at the top of the table.
“I think every game here is a big test,” said Gravenberch.
“Especially now, we are first in the league so there’s a little bit more pressure. Newcastle are a very good team so we have to prepare well and show them what we’re capable of.”
“I think what we are doing now, showing [like] when we played them away, even with one man less, showing the mentality. I think that’s what we have show them now again; that we are there, that we go forward [and are] pushing.”
For Gravenberch, who has spent most of his career in the Eredivise and the Bundesliga, this was the first time he has played over the winter holiday period. When asked about it, the Dutch midfielder said he liked the change.
It’s really great. It’s different from where I came from but it’s nice to play football also during the Christmas and New Year time.”
With Liverpool circling around to play the second round of fixtures against each team, Gravenberch reflected on the first half of the season. He also spoke about the focus keeping the momentum going for the second half of the season, and of course, winning the league.
“The first half of the Premier League was good. It was intensive. I think it’s the biggest league in the world now and you see that by the intensity they are giving here.”
For the second half of the league, as a team we want to keep on going and keep on going. At the end, we want to win it.”
