Kostas Tsimikas knows Liverpool will have to be '100 per cent ready' as they look to start 2023 on a high with tonight's trip to Brentford.
The Reds ended a rollercoaster 2022 with a typically wild Anfield night, Wout Faes' two own-goals handing Jurgen Klopp's side a 2-1 win against Leicester City. That was Liverpool's fourth Premier League win in a row and took them to within four points of Manchester United in the final Champions League place, and victory tonight can take them to just one point of their old rivals - albeit, Erik ten Hag's side will have a game in hand.
Tsimikas made his 50th Liverpool appearance on that Friday evening, replacing Andy Robertson after he suffered a dead leg, and with the Scotland international still reeling from the effects of that knock, appearance number 51 could be from the start. But the 26-year-old is under no illusions about the size of the task in facing an in-form Brentford - especially at the end of such a congested festive schedule.
READ MORE: Liverpool could welcome back injured trio for Brentford as Cody Gakpo update given
"All the teams in the Premier League are quite strong. Brentford this year did a very good job," Tsimikas told Liverpoolfc.com.
"We’re really looking forward to this game. I think all the boys will be ready to face Brentford and hopefully we go there and win the game, this is what we [want to] do in all the games we play, so it will not change anything – we go there and [try to] win the game.
"For me, it’s much, much better when you play games. Of course, it’s a little bit tough because we have to travel around all the time. But the good thing is, we can win many points fast. We have in our mind our goals we set from the first moment in pre-season.
"We have a lot of things to do. Every game we’re looking forward to win. Every two days is a challenge for us, so we have to be 100 per cent ready."
Much like Friday, Tsimikas' Premier League appearances have come largely as a substitute. The 26-year-old has come off the bench in seven of his 11 league games so far this season, starting mostly in the Carabao Cup and Champions League group stages.
But whether it be from the start of not, Tsimikas continues to give his all for the shirt.
"I’m always looking forward to playing some minutes," The Greek international added "For me, it’s the most important [thing] as a football player. Always I give everything to play, in training and when I come on as a sub. I’m looking forward to the next game.
"Always I feel blessed to be here in this team and this family, with these supporters. Hopefully more and more to come. Only one thing is sure from my point [of view]: to give everything whenever I play, if it’s one minute or if it’s 90, I’m always there and I will try to give my best."
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