Fabio Borini insists that his lack of goals has not affected his confidence as Udinese” data-scaytid=”2″>Udinese visit Anfield tonight in the Europa League.
He has failed to score in eight games after signing from Roma for £11m this summer, however, the Italian international believes the goals will arrive.
Fabio Borini insists that his lack of goals has not affected his confidence as Udinese visit Anfield tonight in the Europa League.
He has failed to score in eight games after signing from Roma for £11m this summer, however, the Italian international believes the goals will arrive.
“I wouldn’t say I’m finding it difficult here,” said the 21-year-old. “I’ve scored already in the Europa League and I know it’s only a matter of time before I get that first one in the Premier League.
“I know the manager trusts me and that’s really helpful. I’ve played at this level before and I know if I keep getting in the right positions then the goals will come.
“I think back to last season at Roma when I only scored one goal up to October and then all my goals in the championship came after that.
“Expectation is bound to be high because this is a top club. But I came here because I have big expectations myself. That’s why I chose this club.”
Borini knows all about Udinese having played against them for Roma in Serie A and he has a lot of respect for the tonight’s visitors.
“It’s going to be a very good test for us,” he added. “We can expect a lot from Udinese. Like us, they are a club who should be playing in the Champions League, and we know it will be difficult.”
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers feels that Borini’s lack of goals is down to the fact that he has played him out wide instead of in his more preferred position in the centre.
“Fabio probably hasn’t scored as many as he would have wanted to, but in fairness to him I have been playing him in his number two position,” said Rodgers.
“He is better through the middle where you can see his qualities of moving off the shoulder and running in behind.
“My project for him was to be more for these type of competitions really and then growing himself into it. But because of where we were at I have had to push him in that bit quicker.
“What I do know is that he has got a strong character. He is a real good kid and works hard every single day.
“When you work that hard and you prepare yourself right, that ultimately gives you more confidence. And when you have the confidence, the success will follow.
“Strikers, unfortunately, are judged on goals. I remember talking to Ian Rush when I came in here and he said it doesn’t matter how tired you are in a game, the minute that balls hits the net the confidence you gain from it and the energy it gives you is incredible.
“That will happen over time with Fabio. He will prove himself.
“To come to a massive club at 21 is a big ask. But I certainly wouldn’t have brought him here if I didn’t think he could do it. Once he gets one or two goals, the confidence will flow even more.”