In conversation with Liverpool legend Jason McAteer: "I don’t know why any player would want to leave Liverpool"
Former Liverpool midfielder and LFC TV analyst Jason McAteer talks about India and all things Liverpool. The former Republic of Ireland international racked up 139 appearances for the Reds, scoring six goals, during a four-year spell.
During his time at Anfield, McAteer was team-mates with David James, Robbie Fowler, Jamie Redknapp and Steve McManaman and the group were collectively named – ‘The Spice Boys’.
McAteer has played for four other English clubs before hanging his boots in 2007. In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, the 44-year-old talks about Liverpool’s Europa League chances, Daniel Sturridge and his injuries and the Reds keeping hold of Philippe Coutinho, among many others.
Hey Jason, how’s your experience been in India? Is this what you had imagined?
I’ve been doing a lot of travelling since I finished playing actually. Australia, Asia, all around Europe. When I was given the opportunity to come to India, it was something I wanted to do. I have never been here before. I didn’t quite know what to expect. I’ve had friends who have come here and the words they use are crazy, vibrant, lively, and alive!
Today we went across to Shankarvadi school, which is supported by Standard Chartered. That was really an eye opener. The kids were really happy even though they didn’t have a lot of playing and training equipment. They just get on with things. It really brings you back down to earth. You should think how lucky you are. It puts things into perspective.
Your thoughts on Liverpool’s first leg victory over United?
Yeah I was impressed with Liverpool. I think consistency in team selection is something that’s happened over the last probably 3 or 4 weeks. The manager went with his strongest team. He changes just 1 or 2 positions. That’s breeding confidence and the players are able to understand each other better.
It’s exciting to see Firminho, Strurridge and Coutinho on the pitch. It says a lot about a team’s character when we lost to Manchester city in the cup final but we beat the same time 3 days later. We’re definitely in the driving seat as far as the United tie is concerned. We need to win the Europa League. We’re taking it very seriously and it is definitely a priority now.
On injures and Daniel Sturridge
It’s a bit disappointing for the fans and Daniel himself. Every footballer hates being injured. The worst place to be is in the treatment room. Trying to recover, you spend a lot of time away from the first team. It’s a lonely place being injured. He’s got himself fit at the right time.
There are questions about Daniel’s mentality but only he can answer those questions. We can all assume he is mentally fragile but really we don’t know. The manager has dipped him in and out. His response has been fantastic when he’s playing. When Daniel’s fit he is one of the best strikers in Europe. No doubt about that. Liverpool need him until the end of the season.