Skrtel on Agger Partnership

Posted on 16. Feb, 2012 by Liam Tomkins in News

Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel has spoken in glowing terms about his centre back partnership with Daniel Agger, revealing that the duo have a lot in common both on and off the field.

Skrtel and Agger have played a prominent part in Pepe Reina keeping 10 clean sheets this season, while the Reds currently boast the second best defensive record in the Premier League.

In an interview with LFC Magazine, the Slovakian explained how and why the current partnership is working particularly well at present, while also touching on his good understanding with the club’s other centre backs.

“At the moment it’s me and Daniel playing. It’s easy to play with him, he’s a top quality player and great on the ball,” said Skrtel.

“The understanding between us is working. Away from the pitch he’s a nice guy too. We have things in common, such as tattoos and cars. We both have an interest in them and chat about them.

“I don’t think it’s just with Daniel, I think I have a good understanding with Carra and Seba (Coates) too. They are all top quality players. It doesn’t matter who starts, I think the manager had four good centre-backs to choose from. Any of us can start a game.”

Skrtel joined Liverpool from Zenit St. Petersburg in 2008 and, although he has been a mainstay for some time, he insists he now feels more secure in the side than ever before.

“I played every league game last season. But, especially during the first half of the season, I didn’t feel as comfortable as I do now,” he said. “I think when Kenny and Steve Clarke came in a lot of things changed, not just for me but for everyone.

“I think you can see that on the pitch this season. As a team we have been better, this year I feel more comfortable at the club than ever before.

“I don’t think I’ve deliberately tried to be more aggressive, as long as it’s the right level of aggression. That’s the way I try to do my job. It’s the only way I know to play. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. At the moment it is and I’m delighted with the way the team had been defending this season. We’ve kept a lot of clean sheets and that gives defenders a lot of confidence.”

Skrtel is known for his aerial presence at either end of the pitch, and is hoping to add to his tally of two goals so far this season.

He said: “Our first job is defending and not letting the other team score. If I score it’s a bonus. It’s more important to protect our goal. I’ve hit the bar a few times and scored some goals. With a bit more luck I might get one or two more before the season ends.”