Alonso knows what it means to wear the Reds shirt.

By Mighty Reds
October 31 2005

After scoring a goal in the 2-0 defeat of West Ham on Saturday Xabi Alonso has insisted that Liverpool players care and are very aware of the expectations attached to wearing the red shirt.

He said:

"You should have seen the dressing room after the Fulham game," said the 23-year-old. "Everyone was feeling down and that should end any suggestion that we do not care.

"It was a bad performance, but we know about the red shirt, we know about the responsibilities playing for this club and we do not take them lightly.
"I am really proud to be a Liverpool player. It means a lot to me when I play in the Liverpool shirt. I am always trying my best when I step out there in that shirt."

He went on to say: "We all had a point to prove after what people said during the week. We have to prove that we are good enough to play for a big club. The criticism does not annoy me, as that's life as a Liverpool player.

"You get used to coming in for the kind of stick we have had when you have one or two bad results, but there was a bit of nervousness before kick-off and that is why it was important that we prepared properly and stayed calm.

"We have had a lot of stick but we are a big and club and it comes with the territory.

"We have to live with it, and you are always going to get criticism when you are at a great team like Liverpool and you lose in the Carling Cup like we did. You have to take it on the chin and not let it get you down."

"After two bad results it was suddenly a bad week but it has ended on a positive note for us," said the Spain international.

"We have shown a big improvement to get the three points and we are very happy with ourselves.

"There is a real contrast between our Champions League and Premiership form, and I cannot explain it.

"It is like a mystery, an enigma.

"It was very important to everyone at the club that we responded to the criticism we have had. We scored the goals, we got the win and it has been great for everyone.
"It cannot do us any harm in the short term and has to do us good."


"I feel that personally I have adapted well to the Premiership and have played well.
"I thought I did well in my first season and I feel my form this season is getting better."