<
>

Joel Matip wants Liverpool's opponents 'to be afraid'

Joel Matip wants Liverpool to strike fear into every opponent they come up against this season.

Jurgen Klopp's side have made an impressive start to the campaign and continued their fine form with a 5-1 win over Hull City on the weekend.

Liverpool have won five out of their last six games in all competitions, scoring 20 goals in the process.

When asked for his hopes for the 2016-17 season, the defender said: "To play as a team and to have a great spirit together. Also to be compact and use the skills of my teammates and myself and to press teams so that no opponent is safe with the ball. That they always have to be afraid that we are coming!

"Beyond that it is too early to make predictions. We will see what the season brings because there is a long time between now and May.

"We have to continue to play this way and make the most of all our fixtures at Anfield. Our aim is to keep improving week by week."

Matip, who joined the Reds from Bundesliga side Schalke on a free transfer in the summer, has made a bright start to his Liverpool career.

The 25-year-old is a regular starter and has already formed a solid central-defensive partnership with Dejan Lovren.

Matip stresses the importance of having a reliable back four and is aware that Liverpool have yet to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League so far this season.

"A solid defence always helps to win games and it is always necessary for a good team," Matip added. "We have to improve but we know this.

"We will work hard towards getting better and keeping clean sheets because sometimes we may only be able to score one goal and we want that to be enough to win."