Enrique welcomes competition for places

Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has insisted he is prepared to fight for his place in manager Brendan Rodgers’ plans.

The left-back was recalled for Liverpool’s defeat to Arsenal after being a substitute against Manchester City, and has seen his position become further under threat after the new manager started employing left winger Stewart Downing in a more defensive role.

But Enrique has insisted he is not deterred, instead using the extra competition as further motivation.

“It’s a good thing because before there was just myself and Jack Robinson,” he told the Liverpool Echo.

“With the way we intend to play, that is with the right-back and left-back attacking, Stewart can fit in well.

“He’s a good lad and I’m happy for him. We have many games so it’s good to have competition for places.

“I want to play here for as many years as I can and play as many games. I hope to be like Carra (Jamie Carragher) but that would be really difficult.

“I want to stay here because it’s an amazing club and every player dreams of being here. I’ve played in English football for five years and it’s amazing to play here.”

Enrique believes he has learned a lot from the new manager Rodgers, who has encouraged him to improve his attacking game.

“I’m still learning. At teams like Liverpool you learn quickly. In one year here I have learned a lot and with this manager I have learned plenty too,” the Spaniard said.

“The manager gives us simple instructions. He says more things during the week than he does in his pre-match team talks.

“He has tried to instruct and improve every player and I think this is a good thing because everyone is still learning. I still make mistakes so I have to learn.

“The manager wants me to make more assists and score more goals and play more like a forward.

“He has told Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly to do the same and Stewart Downing in the left-back role.”