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Joe Gomez has reacted to Ibrahima Konate’s injury and admitted he was nervous after of replacing his fellow Liverpool centre-back against Man City.
The England international was a star performer as the Reds ran out 2-0 winners to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Partnering Virgil van Dijk in the heart of defence, he helped silence Erling Haaland and frustrate Pep Guardiola’s side throughout
The appearance marked Gomez’s first Premier League start in his favoured centre-back position since a 3-0 home win over Aston Villa back in September 2023.
Meanwhile, his outing against Man City marked his first Premier League start of the season after Konate suffered a knee injury
The Frenchman will miss at least the Reds’ meetings with Newcastle United and Everton, with Gomez set to retain his place as a result.
Gomez is ready to step up and be counted under Slot following his impressive showing against Man City.
Gomez
"I mean, obviously we know what it is like with a relentless schedule,”
“You never want to see teammates get injured, Ibrahima Konate has been unbelievable.
"I understand what it means to be ready and to stay consistent throughout the season as it can change so quickly. I have enjoyed it and I have to keep on working.
"I would be lying if there wasn't (any nerves). When we missed a few big chances and it was 1-0 it can change so quickly.
“The players they bring on from the bench, they can change it at any moment - I was a bit worried. When we got that second one we were more relaxed."
Liverpool are now nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
while taking nothing for granted, Gomez, who was Van Dijk’s first choice centre-back partner when the Reds won the title in 2019/20, admits they now have a big opportunity to be crowned English champions once again.
Gomez said
"At the start of the season if you said we'd be in this position we would bite your hand off,”
“It means nothing at this point.”
“Come the end of the season if we are not lifting the trophy it will feel like we have squandered a big opportunity. The Premier League is so relentless and we have big games up."
Despite his limited game-time under Slot, Gomez is enjoying life under Jurgen Klopp’s successor as he revealed how the Dutchman is keeping his squad motivated.
"I think the biggest thing is he's not trying to fill Jurgen's shoes or be Jurgen,”
"Jurgen's legacy is stamped in the history of the club and that cannot be changed.”
"He [Arne Slot] has been himself, it has been refreshing and all the coaching staff have been positive. Today was about hard work and working harder than them.
“The work is not done and we have not won anything - it is a great start and he's constantly reminding us about going again. He knows we have experience in the squad and he is just on us."
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