Jamie Carragher: 'Let's banish title talk'
JAMIE CARRAGHER has urged Reds fans to forget talk of winning the title this season - and focus instead on simply making a meaningful challenge.
Carragher made his Premier League debut in 1997 - the last time Liverpool were in serious contention for the crown they crave more than any other.
And while every season since then has been accompanied by some kind of title clarion call, the unfailing honest Carragher declared: "People always talk about us pushing for the league, but to be honest it isn't very often that we've even challenged.
"If we were challenging with 10 or 15 games to go then who knows? But just a challenge this season would be nice, to still be in the hunt.
"I think it's only happened once since I've been in the team, when I played a few games under Roy Evans. We probably should have won the league but let it slip towards the end.
"But since then we've never even challenged so that's s something we're all looking for.
"I'd take a title medal over anything else at the moment because that would make my full set, but I just want to be competitive in the league."
A six point swing last season in the high profile showdowns with Manchester United would have painted a very different title picture, but Carragher has warned against the perils of concentrating solely on the games between the big four.
"They're big games, but it's not just about beating Manchester United or the other so-called big teams. I don't go along with that," he added. "Manchester United lost twice to Manchester City which no-one expected so who knows?"
Carragher returned to pre-season training last week - one of four senior specialist centre-backs now at the club.
But the prospect of battling with Sami Hyypia, Martin Skrtel and fit again Daniel Agger does not worry him.
"I've had a few seasons like that over the years where the competition for places has been intense," he added. "But that's what it's about at Liverpool. It's about the battle for your place and I'm prepared to fight and battle as well as anyone.
"I expected to play in the past and I expect to play again next season.
"Every day you go into training you feel as though you have to prove yourself all over again, although to be honest I don't think I'll change anything. I always work hard and I'll continue to do so."
"If we were challenging with 10 or 15 games to go then who knows?
"But just a challenge this season would be nice, to still be in the hunt.
"I think it's only happened once since I've been in the team, when I played a few games under Roy Evans.
"We probably should have won the league but let it slip towards the end.
"But since then we've never even challenged so that's s something we're all looking for.
"I'd take a title medal over anything else at the moment because that would make my full set, but I just want to be competitive in the league."
A six point swing last season in the high profile showdowns with Manchester United would have painted a very different title picture, but Carragher has warned against the perils of concentrating solely on the games between the big four.
"They're big games, but it's not just about beating Manchester United or the other so-called big teams. I don't go along with that," he added. "Manchester United lost twice to Manchester City which no-one expected so who knows?"
Carragher returned to pre-season training last week - one of four senior specialist centre-backs now at the club.
But the prospect of battling with Sami Hyypia, Martin Skrtel and fit again Daniel Agger does not worry him.
"I've had a few seasons like that over the years where the competition for places has been intense," he added. "But that's what it's about at Liverpool. It's about the battle for your place and I'm prepared to fight and battle as well as anyone.
"I expected to play in the past and I expect to play again next season.
"Every day you go into training you feel as though you have to prove yourself all over again, although to be honest I don't think I'll change anything. I always work hard and I'll continue to do so."
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At least one person at Anfield is being realistic - we are NOT going to win the Premier League this season. If we can hold on to 4th place we will have done well
I think Carra should be worrying more about his place. We have two defenders, Skrtel and Agger who are better than him. And with Degen, I wouldn't be surprised if he made it to the first time very soon.
Listen all center backs will play games this season as will all the squad, so no one should be worried over starting places (unless their in the same mould as harry lazzy as f*&^ kewell),and yer its obvious Rafa will have his own idea on who the best pairing is, but as always Rafa will pick the most inform and fittest for the game, but as for winning the league we like all the other teams have got to try an wrestle it from that lot down the lancs but to be in with a shout come feb, would be a major step forward towards the holy-grail.