Football
Glenn Price, Liverpool correspondent 7y

James Milner wants to keep hold of Liverpool left-back slot

Liverpool's makeshift left-back James Milner wants to cement that spot in the starting XI to ensure that manager Jurgen Klopp does not have to strengthen his options in the position during the January transfer window.

Milner has thrived on the left side of Klopp's defence this season, having spent the majority of his career as a midfielder.

The 30-year-old was used at left-back several times last season before he went on to become the first-choice option over Alberto Moreno in the opening months of the current campaign.

"It is down to me to make sure they don't buy a left-back," Milner said in the Liverpool Echo. "He [Klopp] doesn't owe me anything. I am a Liverpool player, he is the manager, he picks the best team to win and it is my job to make sure that what is best for Liverpool is me.

"You read a lot about players not being honourable and loyal, but clubs are not loyal to players either. But we know what business it is."

Milner, who has spent all but one of his 14 years as a professional in the Premier League, believes the requirements a full-back changed throughout his career.

The retired England international insists he must adapt to what Klopp demands from his full-backs, which he admits is different to other managers.

"Full-back is a position which changes massively depending on who the manager is," Milner added. "A left back now is different to a left-back 10 years ago and that is why I have not studied anyone.

"It would be pointless. And a left-back for Jurgen Klopp is going to be playing a lot different to a left-back for another manager.

"I would find it harder playing left-back for another manager in another system because Jurgen likes his full-backs to play, he wants his teams to be fluid.

"There are going to be times when I will end up in centre midfield and centre midfield will be covering me."

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