Sakho believes Reds can end title drought

PREMIER LEAGUE:

The 24-year-old France international may have only arrived in the summer in a £16million move from Paris St Germain, but that does not mean he isn’t aware just how significant this season could be.

Sakho could not have been more removed from the club’s last triumph. He was just 10 weeks old when John Barnes stroked home from the penalty spot in front of the Anfield Road end against QPR on April 28, 1990 to bring the championship trophy back to the club for the 18thtime.

But fast forward more than two decades and the centre-back finds himself right at the heart of the most exciting season at Anfield in years.

“The last time Liverpool won the title was the year of my birth so I am up to speed with the history and know all about it,” he said.

“It would be fantastic to have the opportunity to go down in history, especially with it being my first season here. For everyone at the club it would be great, particularly the supporters, who are well aware how long it has been since we’ve celebrated a title.

“We have a fantastic generation of players here who are capable of creating their own mark in history. From the start of the season the absolute priority was to get into the Champions League and then see where we get to with two months remaining.

“That is still the case but, of course, being competitive sportsmen we always like to win. While Champions League qualification remains the priority we are more than happy to be involved in a direct battle for the title, but we have to make sure we have the Champions League first.

“There are plenty of games to play and lots to play for.”

While he has not been able to settle properly on the field due to injury, off it he is finding England to his liking, having spent virtually all his life in the French capital.

“I have been struck simply by how polite people are in this country,” he said.

“At home recently I had a guy around to repair my satellite dish and a neighbour came around to warn me there was a guy on my roof, which was nice.

“Something I’ve not noticed before is how people drive, as having always lived in Paris I’ve not had anything to compare it to before.

“Certainly the way everyone gives way and lets you through is fantastic.”