James Milner: “We want to progress in every game we play”

Liverpool vice-captain James Milner wants his side to prove that their last two defeats to Manchester City and Wolves are just a “blip” in a season that still remains full of promise.

The No.7’s mistake at Molineux allowed Wolves to score their opening goal on Monday night in the FA Cup third round match, which the Reds went on to lose 2-1.

And Milner admits that his side didn’t hit the level they’re normally accustomed to reaching against their most recent opponents.

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WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 07: Raul Jimenez of Wolves scores during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool at Molineux on January 7, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Getty Images)

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“I think when you’re a team like us with the players we have, you want to win every single game,” Milner said, according to the Echo.

“We’re disappointed to not win and go through. We want to progress in every game we play.

“There were changes but we all train together all the time. I think we just didn’t get going really, didn’t get the passing going, just weren’t quite at our level.

“It was always going to be a tough game, they’re a good team, well organised. It’s not an easy place to come, we knew that from the game a few weeks back.

“I should have done better. The pitch all night was a bit tricky and balls were a bit lively but it’s the same for both teams.

“It wasn’t as easy to get the passing going in those tight areas as we would have liked but it was my mistake for the first goal and it cost us ultimately. Without that maybe it’s 1-1 and we get a replay.”

Milner did, however, reserve praise for the Academy players who made their debuts in the first team: Ki-Jana Hoever, Curtis Jones and Rafael Camacho.

“Dejan going down within a minute is obviously not that ideal but we’re a good team and should be able to deal with that,” Milner said.

“Obviously a few young lads came in – I thought they did very well. To come back into the game we fought well and then it was a good goal but the performance wasn’t at the level we would have liked.

“On the plus side, I think it’s good for the young boys to come in and get that experience. It’s not good to taste defeat but you normally learn more in a defeat than you do in a win.

“Ki coming on after a minute and playing like he did was absolutely outstanding. He’s going to be a top, top player you can see that straight away. His temperament, he’s comfortable on the ball.

“Rafa and Curtis as well, it was tough because it wasn’t the easiest game to get on the ball and get the passing going and get Curtis into the game as much with his dribbling, but you get those games, especially in the FA Cup.”

Milner also admitted that Saturday’s match with Brighton has now taken on added significance as the Reds aim to prove that the back-to-back defeats they’ve just experienced are nothing more than a “blip” in their season.

“We have to make sure we bounce back and look at where we can get better,” the 33-year-old said.

“You’re never going to go a full season without having blips. I think the start of this season we weren’t playing our best but we were getting results.

“Back to back defeats now, which really isn’t good enough for us, but you have blips in a season. It’s about how you respond.

“I think you’ve seen the character in the squad in the last few years and the players we have to know we will bounce back.

“We have to show that, though. It’s easy saying it in an interview, we have to do it on the pitch at the weekend.

“The games keep coming thick and fast and hopefully we can get a few of the injured lads back as well.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com