Harvey Elliott previews Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Liverpool
Ahead of the start of a new season, Liverpool star Harvey Elliott sat down with the club’s official website to chat about the opener against Chelsea this Sunday at Stamford Bridge.
The recent U21 Euro winner talked about the kind of game he expects from Chelsea after both teams struggled to finish where they wanted to last season. Expect Elliott to feature more and more as the season goes by given the slim midfield depth at the Reds at the moment. Speaking of the game, here is what he had to say via the club’s official website:
“I think it’s going to be two teams battling it out. Both teams didn’t really have the best of seasons [in 2022-23], if we’re being truthful, and both are going to want to stamp our authority and make the most of the first game. It’s going to be tough for both teams and, in my opinion, it’s going to be who wants it more. I feel like we’re definitely ready.”
While the acquisitions of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai make it tough for Harvey to start games, the lack of options in the middle of the park means that the 20-year-old will have to share a great deal of responsibility.
Speaking of domestic form, last season was much worse for Chelsea than it was for Liverpool. While we managed to sneak into a European Spot at #5, Chelsea only finished at #12. Both teams have a huge point to prove coming into this game. This discrepancy adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming encounter, as both teams seek to prove their capabilities and set a positive tone for the new season.
New Season, New Aims
Chelsea have got their “new manager bounce” as well, with Mauricio Pochettino looking like he belongs at Chelsea throughout their pre-season campaign. Unlike Liverpool, they have been quite active in the transfer market, and are signing a great deal of youngsters.
The Reds, to put it in simple terms, are short of players on a number of fronts. We still need two midfielders and a capable centre-back and only after we sign these players is when we can truly challenge for silverware.
Both teams find themselves in the market for Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, and that off-the-field transfer intensity surely adds to the excitement for what is to come on Sunday.
More Liverpool News
- Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp claims the pre-season lasts until the first international break
- Gary Neville believes FSG are leaving themselves short in backing Jurgen Klopp and would put Liverpool in a difficult position soon
- Former Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain agrees personal terms with Besiktas
The weight of unfulfilled ambitions from last season will surely make up for a great encounter come the weekend. Hopefully, it does not end up like the goalless draw from when the teams met last time in the league.
