James Milner scored the winner as Liverpool made it two wins out of two for our pre-season campaign, defeating Brisbane Roar 2-1 at the Suncorp Stadium in Australia on Friday morning.
Adam Lallana also found the net, as the Reds came from behind to claim victory. The Roar proved a far sterner test than the Thai All-Stars did on Tuesday, and Brendan Rodgers’ side did well to eventually get the win.
Speaking after the game, in quotes taken by the Liverpool Echo, Milner praised the team’s performance and pointed out the optimism that is beginning to spread through the Anfield camp.
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“What I’ve noticed most is what you can see form afar, that team unity and everybody wanting to play for each other,” he said. “Everybody presses the ball together, and that’s what you need to be able to play that way.
“Looking at the characteristics of the team from afar, it’s clear we’re a side that wants to press and put teams under pressure, and when they get the ball we want to play.
“We have a great, honest bunch of lads and you need that. This is a club that is used to winning and I want to be a part of that. It’s a really exciting time at the club.”
It’s been a summer of chance so far. Sean O’Driscoll and Gary McAllister have joined the coaching staff, replacing Colin Pascoe and Mike Marsh, while six new signings have been added to the first-team squad – including Milner.
Christian Benteke could become summer signing number seven, with the Reds having met the Aston Villa striker’s buyout clause (via BBC Sport), while Andre Wisdom and Divock Origi have also returned from their respective loan deals.
Speaking about the additions to the squad, both on and off the pitch, he added: “You look at the squad we have here and there are plenty of young players coming through. With the manager and the news staff that have been brought in, everything is there for us and there are still a number of players to come in.
“Pre-season is a great time to get to know each other, especially for the new players, and build the foundation for us to kick on and go from there. The longer we are together the more we can move on.”