Spanish goalie tips Liverpool to excel in 2020-21 campaign
Spanish shot-stopper Adrian San Miguel believes Liverpool can get even better during the 2020-21 campaign
Last season, the Spaniard was part of the squad that brought the Premier League title to Anfield for the first time and the league title for the first time in 30 years.
“It was a season that will live long in the memory,” Adrian told MARCA.
“Not only because of this accursed virus.
“We made it even more historic by winning the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup and by winning the league by such a huge margin.
“Everyone that knows Liverpool’s history knows the hard times the club has been through trying to win such a long-awaited Premier League title.
“It was an outstanding season, but we can still improve.”
At one point during the season, it looked as though Liverpool might remain unbeaten or break points tallies.
“You see that teams are respecting you more and more, but you don’t feel invincible,” Adrian admitted.
“We’re not machines and we knew that the run was going to come to an end one day.
“Why not?” he added when asked whether Liverpool could improve on last season.
“We had the record of 100 points in our hands and it escaped us, but we know what we can achieve.”
This campaign, Jurgen Klopp’s side face strong competition in the race for the title, especially from Manchester City.
“Liverpool still have a long way to go,” Adrian continued.
“From the first chats in pre-season, the boss made it clear to us that no one is defending the title, that we’re going to attack it.
“There’s lots of competition, for sure.
“City have been our closest rival in recent seasons, but Chelsea have strengthened really well.
“You’ve also got [Mikel] Arteta’s Arsenal, who always made it difficult for us, Manchester United are a tough nut to crack… and a team like Leicester or Wolves can always appear.”
Adrian also touched on the influence Klopp has on the dressing room at Anfield.
“The boss is a motivator,” the goalkeeper said.
“He gets his point across very well and he’s always pushing us.
“He’s the coach, but he’s also the captain of the ship.
“That confidence that you see in front of the cameras, in the press conferences, on match days… it’s the same behind the scenes. It’s all there in the background.”
Since joining Liverpool last summer, Adrian has competed for a place in goal alongside Alisson.
“At 33, I’m in one of the best moments of my career,” the Spaniard added.
“My intention is to contribute as much as possible and the boss knows that.
“[Alisson] is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
“We have a healthy competition that makes us both better.”
When Adrian does get in the team, he has the reassuring presence of Virgil van Dijk playing ahead of him.
“He’s the best in his position,” Adrian said of the Dutch defender.
“Just the way he stands and his corporal language scares you.
“Despite being more than 1.90 metres tall, he’s quick, strong, good in the air, good with his feet, he knows how to play…
“Having a centre-back of that quality makes you feel more protected and makes others better.”
In attack, Liverpool are blessed with the talent of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
“It’s difficult to pick three players of that level and have them combine so well,” Adrian said.
“You already know what they’re going to do without looking.
“Bobby is pure magic, defenders don’t know how to stop him because he’s unpredictable.
“Sadio is power, energy and quality.
“Mo is one of the best left-footed players in the world, although he can make an assist or put it on a plate with his right.”
One disappointing aspect of last season was the Champions League exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid in March, with Adrian featuring in the second leg.
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“We’re not machines. Someone had to beat us,” the goalkeeper insisted.
“The team was hurt and so was I for how everything happened.
“We were the holders, we wanted to go through, but we got over it to focus on winning the Premier League.”