Aquilani admits Reds struggle

Liverpool midfielder felt under pressure to produce immediately

Last updated: 22nd January 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Aquilani admits Reds struggle

Aquilani: Looking to improve

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Alberto Aquilani believes it would have been easier for him to adjust to Premier League life if Liverpool had been in better form.

The Italian midfielder's limited involvement since his summer move from Roma to Anfield has been well documented.

Aquilani was injured at the start of his Reds career and supporters have been frustrated by the length of time it has taken for Rafa Benitez to bring him into the side on a regular basis.

The 25-year-old admits it has been a difficult time but he does not think it was fair that he was expected to be Liverpool's saviour after some disappointing results at the beginning of the season.

"Ideally, I would have been able to start playing in a team that was winning matches," he aid in the Daily Mirror.

"But instead, by the time I was fit, the team was going through a difficult period.

"That made the transition to English football a lot harder. As a foreign player, moving to a new country with different team-mates, it would have been easier for me if I was starting my Liverpool career in a winning team.

"It hasn't been that way, so the pressure has been on me to produce performances straight away - when I have played though I know I can do a lot, lot better."

Happy

Aquilani is confident his level will improve now he is getting back into peak condition, while he has told fans they will see his best when the team is at full strength.

"At the moment I am still regaining my fitness after a long time away from football and it will take me time to get back to a level I am happy with - but I don't think I'm that far away," he said.

"The manager has explained to me in detail what he wants me to do for the team.

"When every player is fit, including me, I think it will bring the best out of me, and the fans will see the real player.

"I am happy at Liverpool and am already completely settled.

"It is clear it is a family club and I am grateful for the way I have been treated - and I now want to repay that kindness."