Liverpool Coach Andoni Iraola insists his team must start cashing in Premier League points regardless of where they play as they look to secure their first league win at home to Anfield.
The Reds have failed to win any of their first three top-flight games at home under Iraola, although they have enjoyed better results at Anfield in other competitions.
Liverpool have beaten Atlético Madrid, Villarreal and Tottenham at home, and the Spaniard has pointed to those performances as proof that his players can cope with their own supporters.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League game against Brighton, Iraola insisted he was more concerned with picking up points than ending an unwanted private record.
“I want to win games. At home, away, we need points wherever we can get them,” he said.
“It’s true that the three games we haven’t won, but also our three games (victories in other competitions) have been high-level games – Atlético, Villarreal, Spurs – and we’ve won them with good performances at home as well.
“We play the next two (Premier League) games at home so I’d love to win them, but if we played away I’d say the same.”
Iraola praises Liverpool youngsters and sends message to Ngumoha
The Liverpool manager believes the progress of his young players has created a positive atmosphere, with each breakthrough encouraging others to follow.
“I think they are supporting each other. You could feel it right away, even in the pre-season and those who played in the games,” Iraola said.
“You can feel that after their performances they’re looking at each other, praising each other and when they see one of them starting in the Champions League or the Premier League and maybe it’s not themselves, but they feel like ‘OK, I’m close to being there’.”
Ngumoha has particularly caught the eye after his recent performances, including an impressive display against Villarreal in the Champions League.
However, Iraola urged the 18-year-old to stay focused on improving rather than being distracted by outside opinions.
“I think every player has to focus on the performances, keep doing well, improve the things they can improve,” he said.
“External noise, when it’s good, when it’s bad, I think it affects, obviously, but we shouldn’t be affected by these things.
“Keep doing your job as well as you can, improve on the things you can improve on; don’t be swayed by the things you hear.”
