Andy Lonergan bites back at trolls questioning his Liverpool move

Andy Lonergan Liverpool TEAMtalk

Liverpool goalkeeper Andy Lonergan says his mentality has to be “spot on”, despite making no appearances since his move to Anfield.

The 36-year-old moved to Merseyside last August on a short-term contract following Alisson Becker’s calf injury.

With second-choice Adrian filling in, Lonergan has only managed to make the bench, earning a place in seven matchday squads.

In that time, however, he has witnessed the Reds‘ remarkable season. Jurgen Klopp‘s men have won the UEFA Super Cup, the Club World Cup and the Premier League.

And despite not featuring in any competition, Lonergan says he still has to work hard in case the chance arises.

“You get quite a lot of snide remarks, not from inside the dressing-room but particularly on social media,” the goalkeeper told The Athletic.

“‘You’ve won the lottery’, stuff like that. But I’ve still got to work hard every day. I can’t let my own standards slip, otherwise that would be me done.

“My focus, my mentality, they have to be spot on. I did get lucky initially to get the opportunity, but I had to take it as well.

 

“And if anyone’s still wondering why I’ve spent a year here and ‘not done anything’, I tell you what: I’m really looking forward to playing a game again, wherever that may be, just to showcase what I’ve learned.”

Lonergan was on the bench for Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Southampton in August and the defeat of Bournemouth in March.

In the Champions League, he watched on as two Adrian errors cost Liverpool victory against Atletico Madrid in the last-16.

Lonergan has also appeared on the bench in the FA Cup, EFL Cup, the Super Cup and the Club World Cup.

HOULLIER URGES FAITH IN KEITA

Naby Keita Liverpool TEAMtalk

Elsewhere, former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier says the club must have faith that Naby Keita will show his true talent.

Several small injuries have hampered Keita’s progress, ending bursts of exciting form.

But Houllier, who has a historical connection with the midfielder, has backed the Guinea international to come good.

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