Liverpool centre-back Jeremy Jacquet has told his team-mates to expect a demanding physical contest when the Reds visit Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday. The French defender, speaking after being named Liverpool's Player of the Month, said the squad has been told to prepare for a fight in every area of the pitch at the Gtech Community Stadium, according to Goal.com.
The match comes after Liverpool lost their previous league fixture to Manchester City. Jacquet said the priority now is to return to winning form in the top flight.
Why it matters
Liverpool are looking to steady their league campaign after that defeat, and a trip to Brentford offers an immediate chance to respond. Jacquet's comments suggest the coaching staff see the fixture as a test of physicality as much as tactics.
The 21-year-old has started all six of Liverpool's Premier League games this season, having joined from Stade Rennais in the summer. His early form has made him a fixture in the side and earned him individual recognition.
Manager's message already delivered
Jacquet said Andoni Iraola has made the demands of the game clear to the players. "The manager has already told us that it's going to be a battle all over the field," Jacquet said, per Goal.com. He added that training time has been limited but that the group has worked hard and will be ready.
Liverpool go into the game on the back of a midweek Champions League win over LASK. Jacquet pointed to that result as evidence the team can respond to setbacks, and said repeating it in the league is now the objective.
The defender also described how he has adjusted to English football, saying the main difference is the intensity of duels and the number of one-on-one contests across 90 minutes.
Award and a first cap for France
Jacquet's start at Liverpool was recognised with the club's Player of the Month award for August and September, decided by fan votes. He finished ahead of Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak, Goal.com reported.
Speaking at the AXA Training Centre, Jacquet thanked his team-mates and supporters for the honour and said it meant something special to be chosen by the fans. He added that he hopes to earn more such awards.
During the international break he also won his first senior caps for France under Zinedine Zidane. Jacquet called playing in front of his home nation a magical moment and said little could top it for a French player.
Liverpool kept three consecutive Premier League clean sheets in September, and Jacquet said he wants to hold his current level of performance. He acknowledged the season is still young but said he will work to keep his standards high.
A win at Brentford would give Liverpool momentum before a busy stretch of domestic and European matches.
