Sakho: We should have big ambitions at LFC
He would rather not share them, but Mamadou Sakho insists he has 'big ambitions' that can be accomplished with Liverpool.
The centre-back was a stand-out performer as the Jürgen Klopp era began last Saturday with a creditable goalless draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
Next up for the new manager is a first Anfield game since taking the reins earlier this month, with Rubin Kazan the visitors in the Europa League tonight.
A win would be especially welcome for the Reds having drawn their opening two Group B fixtures.
But that’s the mentality for Sakho every time he steps onto the pitch for a team which he believes has the quality to achieve their goals this season.
The France international told Liverpoolfc.com: “I try to stay the same on and off the pitch. If you ask the players, they’ll say ‘Mama never changes’.
“Since the first day at Liverpool, I’ve been the same. I work hard to be ready.
“The most important thing for me is to give 100 per cent for the team. When the team needs me I try to give my best for the club and the fans, because everyone deserves it.
“I am a very ambitious man but I prefer to keep them to myself because some people will think I’m crazy! But we’ll see.
“I think we have a very good team, very good players, international players and we can have a very good season. The fans have to stay the same because they are unbelievable.
“Liverpool is a big club and we have to think about big ambitions.”
A fortnight-long wait for Klopp to witness the Liverpool fans in full voice at Anfield ends with the Rubin encounter this evening.
Reflecting on the boss’ opening two weeks at the helm, Sakho echoed the sentiments of many of his teammates in revealing the positivity within the camp.
He said: “It’s very good. All of the team feel the same. It’s a new manager, a new mentality, new training – everything is new.
“We have to adapt and we are ready to listen to what he says. He is here to help the team and to help every player and he wants to give 100 per cent for the club.”