Photoby John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool begin their title defense against Leeds United at
Anfield today.
James Milner could play his 150th game for
Liverpool today, if Klopp picks him to feature in the
season opener. Of particular significance is that this milestone
could be reached against his boyhood club, Leeds United, where Milner got his start nearly
20 years ago.
The reliable midfielder-slash-defender could also captain the
Reds for the 50th time if he plays and the recovering Jordan Henderson does not. Klopp’s vision for
the starting XI is a mystery right now, thanks to some surprising
formation tweaking he did during the pre-season.
But speaking of our fearless captain, Hendo wrote about the
upcoming season in the programme for tonight’s game.
In his message, Henderson preached diligence, focus, and
humility as the team takes on the new challenge of defending their
title.
“The gaffer talks about the importance of staying humble, as
individuals, as a team and as a club. Part of staying humble is
recognising that this season begins with everyone in exactly the
same position,”
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“We have no advantage over Leeds today before a whistle is
blown. If we want an advantage in the game – on the pitch – we have
to go and earn it. As I said at the beginning of this column,
everything is reset to zero.
“If we want to create special memories, they need to be earned,
one challenge at a time, one sprint at a time, one save at a time
and one battle at a time. It is right to be optimistic about what
is ahead for us, but that feeling is built on a belief that we will
indeed stay humble and stay focused.”
Very few Premier League clubs have managed back-to-back title
wins, so if the Reds want to join that elite group, the first step
comes today against Leeds.