Joe Hart says West Ham cannot afford to just give Liverpool a game when they visit London Stadium this weekend.
The Hammers go into the game knowing they need to get something to ease pressure on both the players and manager Slaven Bilic, after Wilfried Zaha’s 97th minute equaliser at Crystal Palace last weekend left spirits in tatters.
Though Liverpool are a potent attacking side, their away form this season – picking up five points on the road so far – leaves hope for Bilic’s side.
While Bilic is looking to take inspiration from the likes of Tottenham in how they picked apart Jurgen Klopp’s side, Hart has warned they cannot afford to just enjoy a good game against them.
“Liverpool at home is a big game and very exciting,” Hart said in this weekend’s West Ham programme.
“They bring a lot with them, they have great support, great players and an exciting manager in Jurgen Klopp.
“They have shown what they are capable of on their day, and that’s what we’ve got to prepare for. It’s going to be a hard game.
“Even when they haven’t got a result, the Spurs game aside, they have pounded the team they have played against, but not managed to win.
“They are an important team and have all the ingredients and I’m sure they are not far off what they want to be doing.
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“But I think they know they’re going to come and they’re going to get a game, but we can’t afford to just enjoy giving them a game. We need to get a result.
“They are tough opposition, as my record against them proves, but they are definitely beatable. It will take us playing at a really high level and with high concentration to give ourselves a chance of beating them.”
Saturday’s clash with Liverpool is the Hammers’ final home game before Remembrance Sunday, meaning there will of course be a minute’s silence prior to kick-off at grounds around the country.
While such a moment is likely to have an impact on most in attendance, it is particularly important to the England goalkeeper.
“My grandfather served in the Armed Forces, so Remembrance Day is both important and personal to me,” Hart explained.
“I’ve also stayed friends with the Royal Marines we worked with on a recent England trip. It was really interesting to see how those guys work, as they are fantastic at what they do.
“They are not doing it for credit, but doing it to help us. Their mentality and the way they do things is pretty inspirational, so it’s important to remember the guys who have passed and also those who are serving.”
Read the full Joe Hart interview in West Ham United’s official matchday programme available to buy at London Stadium on Saturday.
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