Football
Kevin Palmer 10y

Liverpool's Rickie Lambert says he wants to improve his match fitness

Rickie Lambert accepts he has failed to make the impact he was hoping for in his first few weeks at his hometown club Liverpool.

Lambert secured his dream move from Southampton to Anfield last June as he returned to the club that rejected his talents when he was trying to make his way in the game, but he has been a substitute for Brendan Rodgers side in the opening few weeks of the season and struggled to impress as he captained the side in the Capital One Cup against Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.

The imminent return of Daniel Sturridge from injury and the arrival of Mario Balotelli at Liverpool means Lambert is set to spend plenty of time waiting for first team chances this season and he accepts he has to improve his form if he is to get into the team consistently.

"It was a nice surprise being made captain [against Middlesbrough], but I wasn't happy with my own performance, so that overshadowed the honour of being captain a little bit," he told reporters.

"I didn't feel as sharp as I want to feel. That's the main thing I want to look at going back into training. I want to get my match fitness up because obviously everyone knows I'm not playing every game so I have to adapt myself now. I think I'm going to have to do more so my fitness is up to the same level as everybody else.

"I do work, push myself to the limit, but maybe I'm going to have to go to the fitness coach and see if I can do more."

Lambert suspects he may be trying too hard in his bid to make his mark at Liverpool, as he accepts he is taking time to adjust to life at a Champions League club.

"Obviously there is part of it [that he is trying too hard], but I have got take into consideration and not let it affect me," he added.

"I'm more than confident I can get myself right and start contributing the way I know I can contribute."

^ Back to Top ^