Premier League News: Paul Konchesky believes Liverpool is his last chance to make his name
Liverpool’s latest signing Paul Konchesky believes that Liverpool may be his last chance to prove his worth at the highest level. The Reds signed the 29-year old from Fulham on the final day of the transfer window. He does not have much time to mingle with his Liverpool teammates, with most of them away to play for their countries following the break for the Euro 2012 qualifiers.
Konchesky did feature in the 2nd half, during the testimonial match of Jamie Carragher on Saturday. Liverpool won the match 4-1 against Everton XI.
The defender accepted that it would be a much tougher outing for him when he plays in his debut league match for Liverpool, which is likely to be against Birmingham next week.
He said that at the age of 29, this is his last chance to perform with a team at the highest level. He said that Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs not just in England but in Europe, and he is looking forward to making a name for himself with them. The main reason behind Konchesky coming to Liverpool is believed to be Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson, who was managing Fulham last season. Hodgson thinks highly of the defender and that is why he brought him to Anfield.
Konchesky agreed that Hodgson was a big reason behind his move to Liverpool; he said that Hodgson is the right man to take Liverpool forward and he would love to be part of a revolution at Anfield.
Konchesky added that it would be a proud moment for him when he puts on the red colours of Liverpool for his first league game, and would make sure that he fulfils all the expectations of the manager and the fans.
He said that he has been training with the team for the last 3-4 days, and has started to get accustomed to the atmosphere at Liverpool. Konchesky added that although most of his teammates are not there right now, the training sessions have still been very productive for him.
Reflecting on the testimonial match of Jamie Carragher, he said that it was great to get the feeling of the club’s heritage. Konchesky said that being part of that game made him feel like part of the Liverpool family, and he got a feel of what the Anfield crowd has to offer. He said that he cannot wait to get on the pitch and play in a competitive match for Liverpool.
Konchesky said that if one looks at the history of the club, it is the most successful club in English football. The 29-year old said that 18 titles is not an easy feat and only Manchester United has been able to equal that. He added that 5 European Cups for the club also means that they have a culture of success in Europe. Konchesky admitted that he would have loved to play in the Champions League, but sadly Liverpool will not be taking part in the Champions League this season. He said that the main aim of Hodgson and the whole team is to attain success in the domestic league this season, and winning the league may be a bridge too far for now. But finishing in the top 4 and getting back in the Champions League remains the main target. Konchesky reiterated that focusing on the domestic league does not mean that the club would ignore the Europa League, and said that progressing in the tournament is also something Hodgson has prioritised. After all, he did make it to the final with Fulham last season. Konchesky said that last season when he was playing with Fulham, no one had thought they’d make it that far in the Europa League, but they made it all the way to the final. The defender went on to say that Hodgson had a big role to play in the European campaign, and he has no doubts that with a team like Liverpool, he would be able to take the team one step further and win the league.
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