Philipp Degen is confident Liverpool can challenge for the Premier League title after completing his free transfer to Anfield.
Degen officially signed for Liverpool on Thursday after leaving Borussia Dortmund and, having taken part in his first pre-season training session, the defender is setting his sights on silverware.
The Reds finished fourth in the league last season, 11 points behind champions Manchester United, but Swiss international right-back Degen is confident Liverpool can close the gap in 2008/09.
"I am sure we can challenge," Degen told the club's official website when asked about the Merseyside outfit's title chances.
"We have a very strong team with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.
"But there are some strong opponents in Manchester United and Chelsea, so we will have to be very consistent.
"I'm looking forward to the challenge of England and the Premier League, which is probably the strongest league in the world right now.
"It's a long season and anything can happen but we will go into the first game of the campaign hoping to push all the way.
"I want the club to succeed and I will always do my best to ensure Liverpool are winning matches."
Degen is also looking forward to the battle for a place at right-back with established Liverpool defenders Steve Finnan and Alvaro Arbeloa.
"They are very good players and it will be difficult but I am ready for the challenge and look forward to breaking into the first team soon," Degen added.
"I am a pacey player who likes to get forward. I have a good attacking mentality and like to get up and down the flank.
"I also have good technique. I hope to play a big role in the future."
Your Comments
SONofBOB
"It was an interview on the official LFC website for pity's sake.What did you expect him to say?"Glad to be here and we won't compete for anything this season"?Still,after eighteen years maybe LFC players should keep their mouths shut and do their talking on the pitch(i'm looking at you Mr Gerrard)Come on boys. "
hyypia4
"At least he hasn't suggested he supported us as a boy...........yet. "
demon154
"typical 365 w@nk"
mrbong
"have you ever noticed that every new Premier arrival with a none too keen grasp of the English language says pretty much the same thing? i think it's all down to one translator who has a stock of 2 - 3 "translations" that he sells to the clubs for press conferences and interwebnet thingie sites for a tidy profit. "
ronanbe
"Note to Liverpool fans: Liverpool's title challenge articles are the same as Fat Frank Lamplard. F365 are just having a laugh. Cudos 'Uncredited' for seeing it for what it is, a joke."
Zulk
"Hahahahahahaahahha!...you guys are so funny Liverpool fans, seriously."
fcastonvilla
"DEGAN? WHO?"
Unspecial_One
"we were told to watch out for him during euro08.. we only managed to watch him warm up in the end.. finnan is no doubt slow, but he is so reliable n hardly puts in a wrong foot.. with arbeloa in the ranks too, i don't think he will see much of the actions.. don't forget rafa's fav rotation policy will sometimes see vice captain carragher playing as a right back.. "
gremily
"slow news day!!! Or just more Liverpool bashing from F365???"
banksy69
"What do you honestly expect him to say fellas? "The first target will be 45 points; after that, maybe we can crack the top 6 if we try really, really hard" Bit of a non-event this story really isn't it? "
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