Tuesday, 22nd October, 2013
Liverpool centre-back Martin Skrtel has revealed his desire to hold on to his place in the club’s starting line-up.
A loss of form saw the Slovakian international fall down manager Brendan Rodgers’ pecking order last term.
However, the 28-year-old has managed to regain his spot at the heart of the Merseyside club’s defence this season, something which has pleased him.
"After last season when I couldn't get into the team, this season has been very different so far”, Skrtel was quoted as saying by Liverpool’s official site.
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"I am very happy. I am playing every game and trying to do my best for the team.
"Now I have to try to stay in the starting eleven. It's up to me to keep proving to the manager that I deserve a place.”
Skrtel is also aware of the fierce competition in the Reds’ defence as the club roped in three centre-backs in Kolo Toure, Mamadou Sakho and Tiago Ilori during the summer transfer window.
But the defender feels that competition for places is going to make every player strive to play better.
"There is real competition for places at the back but that's good for everybody. It's important because it pushes everyone to do better”, he added.
Skrtel, whose contract with Liverpool runs until June 2016, has made 213 appearances in all competitions for the club, netting nine times.
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