Skip to content

Milner wants to make Liverpool left-back berth his own

John Sibley / Reuters

James Milner is determined to ensure Jurgen Klopp won't delve into the transfer market for a left-back in January.

The 30-year-old, a midfielder by trade, has been a makeshift option in that position for Liverpool due to the early-season floundering of Alberto Moreno, and he's happy to continue stifling the Premier League's right-wingers.

"It is down to me to make sure they don't buy a left back," Milner told the Liverpool Echo's Glen Williams. "(Klopp) doesn't owe me anything. I am a Liverpool player, he is the manager, he picks the best team to win and it is my job to make sure that what is best for Liverpool is me.

"You read a lot about players not being honourable and loyal, but clubs are not loyal to players either. But we know what business it is."

The back four was a problem area for Klopp, but the Reds only surrendered one goal in the six-goal trouncing of Watford on Nov. 6, then returned after the international break to record a goalless draw in Southampton. Milner played the full 90 minutes in both bouts.

The ex-Aston Villa and Manchester City player predicts he would've had a tougher time at left-back under other managers, but the free-flowing football under Klopp has made his transition to this previously unfamiliar spot much easier

"I would find it harder playing left-back for another manager in another system because Jurgen likes his full-backs to play, he wants his teams to be fluid," Milner explained.

"There are going to be times when I will end up in centre midfield and centre midfield will be covering me."

Milner is likely to be deployed at left-back when Sunderland travels to Anfield in next Saturday's spate of top-flight fixtures.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox