Joe Gomez interview | Norwich win, 'luxury' Mane and crunch time
Joe Gomez took satisfaction from the manner of Liverpool's 1-0 win at Norwich City as the defender eyes 'crunch time' in the quest for trophies.
Sadio Mane came off the bench at Carrow Road and marked his return from injury with an outstanding 78th-minute goal that secured three points for the Premier League leaders.
The Reds were made to work hard for their result but held firm to register a 10th clean sheet in their last 11 league fixtures.
Post-match, Gomez spoke to Liverpoolfc.com about the details of the game, the influence of Mane’s quality, and being mentally prepared for the run-in.
Read the interview below…
On the tough conditions the game was played in…
It was difficult. Obviously the wind isn’t pleasant when jumping for balls in the air and so on, but both teams had the same thing. They had it in that direction first half and we had it in different ways in the second. It’s just part and parcel. Obviously it’s not comfortable at times and you can misjudge things but it’s part of the game and we both had to deal with it.
On whether he thought one goal might be enough to decide the result…
Yes, I think so. As the game went on, obviously the first half was 0-0 and we knew we needed to come out on the front foot and I think we did that. Obviously you are conscious of the time as the game goes on where we need a goal, but at the same time it’s about staying focused because if they clinch one then it changes the whole logistics of things. It’s a bit of a luxury to have Sadio Mane come off the bench but when he does and gets that goal it’s massive.
On why the feeling of winning a game like that 1-0 can be the same as winning 4-0…
That adrenaline starts kicking in and it’s nice to come away and know that we can battle as well. It’s not always a comfy 4-0 win where we are just keeping possession the whole time and not getting pressed, so it was a tough battle and I think everyone is buzzing that we came through it.
On the importance of squad strength as Liverpool compete for three different trophies…
We’ve had the winter break and now it’s down the home stretch. We know how important this run of games is as it’s an intense period of the season and it’s crunch time really. It’s the most important part and you just build the foundation from the start of the season to this period here. We are blessed to have the squad that we do and everyone will have to play their part to get us over the line.
On Mane and his impact on the match…
All the different ways and different forms of goals, it shows his quality and we were lucky to have him come off the bench but obviously that was due to his injury. What a player, he gives you a boost of confidence when he’s coming on and psychologically for another team it’s not nice! He’s massive and he’s popped up for us in so many moments this year and done it yet again.
