Kostas Tsimikas reveals 'unexpected' reaction to Robertson phone call ahead of Liverpool opportunity

Kostas Tsimikas is looking forward to getting a run in the Liverpool starting XI, but that doesn’t mean he’s happy about how such an opportunity has fallen his way.

Tsimikas made only his 19th Premier League start in last weekend’s Merseyside derby victory over Everton.

With Scot now expected to be out for three months, having undergone surgery after dislocating his shoulder on international duty, Tsimikas is set for his longest spell in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI.

Tsimikas is determined to showcase the very best of his abilities in the absence of Robertson.

Tsimikas has shared his unexpected reaction when told of his Liverpool team-mate’s injury.

Tsimikas

“I think always, when I play, I see it as a big opportunity, I didn’t expect Andy to get injured.

“When they called me and said to me that they expected for me to be happy, but me, I wasn’t, because first of all, with Andy, we are good friends and also we are team-mates.

“Of course, I need him and he needs me. Me alone and him alone, we can’t play all the games because there are so many.

“The rhythm is very important for a football player. I think until now, I play a game and after, I rest and after I play again. Always this, didn’t do too much for my rhythm.

“But always I try to work even harder in training, to keep this good shape. I think now the rhythm will come, I will be more ready and more fit.

“But first I have to be, in my mind, very, very strong. My body, I have to be fit for everything, for every challenge that will come. So it’s very, very important, the rhythm. I have to be there and have to play every game as well as I can.”

Tsimikas added

“From my point, I see no difference,” he said. “I see every game as a final, for me personally.

“I always try to give my best. To do more assists and to try and score a goal. For me, it’s not to take the position. I think that doesn’t really matter.

“I think for me, the most important thing is to be yourself in every game, to try to give absolutely your best and the guy who is the best, in the best moment and the best shape, he will play.”