Milner: Give Sion nothing to enjoy at Anfield
Liverpool will aim to give FC Sion nothing to enjoy but the Anfield atmosphere when the two teams clash in the Europa League this evening, according to James Milner.
Having kicked off their Group B schedule with a 1-1 draw in Bordeaux a fortnight ago, the Reds next host the team currently placed fifth in the Swiss Super League.
The game will be Milner’s first experience of a European home fixture under the floodlights since joining the club on a free transfer in the summer.
He believes it’s up to Brendan Rodgers’ charges to grasp the challenge of giving the crowd something to cheer about and simultaneously ruining Sion’s trip.
“It’s down to us to get the fans into the game, whether it’s a tackle or a good pass, a shot or a good start to the game,” Milner, who scored after 66 seconds last weekend, told Liverpoolfc.com.
“And get the tempo into the game and get the fans behind you. The support we get is amazing and they can help us so much.
“But at times it’s difficult for the fans as well if things haven’t gone too well in the game or we’ve started poorly. It’s down to the players then to get the fans into the game.”
At his pre-match press conference, the manager explained his plans to select a mix of regular starters, those who have featured less and young players against Sion.
It was a similar story in Bordeaux and though a late goal for the hosts meant the Reds returned from France with only a point, Milner felt there were plus points overall.
The vice-captain continued: “It was a solid start. We were obviously a bit disappointed not to get the win, but there were plenty of positives to take.
“It was away from home and we didn’t lose. We would have liked to take the win but in Europe, it’s important you win your home games.
“If you can win all your home games in the group, that’s the main thing and gives you a solid base. I’m sure we’ll pick up points away with the team we have.
“The atmosphere that’s created on those European nights at Anfield and midweek games is always great. Those teams are going to come here and hopefully not enjoy it; enjoy the atmosphere and that’s about it, and we’ll get the points.
“The other positive from the game out there [in Bordeaux] was the younger players coming on and playing so well and making an impact. That’s not easy to do, especially in Europe – that was pleasing.”
With Rubin Kazan set to visit Anfield in three weeks’ time, back-to-back home games give Liverpool an opportunity to establish control of the group, from which two teams will qualify.
Milner echoed the sentiments of the boss in highlighting why securing results on their own turf can be the key to a berth in the knockout stages for the Reds.
“It’s nice to take care of business early and qualify,” added the No.7. “It’s probably important to win the group as well.
“But I think it was important not to lose [in Bordeaux] and if we can win our home games, that gives you a good base to go from and puts you in a good position.”