Andy Robertson says Liverpool’s new recruit, Kostas Tsimikas, appears to be a “very smart player,” but insists that he is determined to play as many matches as possible for the Reds despite the arrival of a new left-back.
Tsimikas, 24, was Jurgen Klopp’s first summer signing when he made a 12 million pound move from Olympiacos last month.
The Greek foreigner had one of Olympiacos’ most vital players and made his first appearance for Liverpool on his pre-season tour.
Speaking about Liverpool’s resolve to point to Tsimikas, Robertson said: “He has settled very well. You can see him gaining confidence as a player and as a user on the team and I think that’s the merit of all the boys and all the staff. “
‘Look, we’ve all been there, we all know how disheartening it is to enter a new locker room without knowing anyone and things like that, but I think we all know how it feels and we’re all very careful about that. So we check to make other people feel as welcome as they can imagine and as temporarily as they can because the faster you get the user out of their shell, the faster you’ll get the player out of their shell.
“I think that’s what happened. I saw him in education and he seems like a very smart player.
“I can’t say I’ve seen him play a lot for Olympiacos and things like that, yet he’s at the club and they’ve clearly noticed anything the team can and I have no doubt he will. “
Robertson, speaking to Liverpool’s official website, added: “For me, personally, he is clearly in my position and I will remain number one on the left side.
“I need to play as many games as possible, stay in shape, keep my grades on top, and I need to play each and every game.
“I know it’s not possible, but it’s my attitude and it’s up to me to keep acting and hopefully remain the number one left-back.
“That’s my purpose [and] I’m sure it has similar purposes, but we want to compete throughout the park. We have a festival and it’s up to the boys to get the initial T-shirt stay and that’s definitely my purpose. “.
“It’s my purpose to do it and I hope I can do it. I’ve had two seasons and a part here that’s been amazing and I feel like I played well and grew up in stature and so be it.
“But it’s about moving on and I’m going to try to keep doing it and have another successful season ahead of me. “
Robertson made 50 appearances in all competitions last season, while Liverpool won the Premier League with 22 points.
The Reds begin defending their name on September 12 in opposition to newly promoted Leeds United.
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