'Prepare like it is a Premier League tie'
Kolo Toure has warned his Liverpool colleagues that they will have to approach tonight's FA Cup clash with AFC Wimbledon as if the meeting is a Barclays Premier League encounter.
Brendan Rodgers' side begin their quest for success in the competition with a third round tie at the League Two outfit, which kicks off at 7.55pm GMT at Kingsmeadow.
Having previously lifted the trophy with former clubs, Toure knows well the unique challenges and demands involved with navigating such contests in the early stages.
That is why in previewing the Reds' entry into the tournament this evening, the 33-year-old highlighted the necessity of concentration and fight from his teammates.
"The FA Cup is very important - it's still a great competition," the Ivorian defender explained to the Liverpool Echo.
"I won it twice when I was at Arsenal and we won it again during my time at Manchester City. I really hope to win it again with Liverpool.
"We know it will be a very physical game against AFC Wimbledon. Games like these are all about concentration and respect. You need to respect this kind of team.
"To have reached this stage they have done well and we must prepare like it's a Premier League match. You know when you go away to a place like that you have to give 100 per cent and be up for the fight.
"Games like this can be even tougher than Premier League games. We'll be up against players who will play like their lives depend on it.
"They will enjoy the game and their fans will be right behind them. The pressure is off them and they will give everything.
"We need to be really professional and do our jobs. We need to be stronger defensively than we were against Leicester on New Year's Day."