You’re back at Wembley for the Community Shield, a place you know well. It's a mouthwatering game for the neutral too, are you looking forward to it?
Of course. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of playing at Wembley. I’ve been lucky to play here a few times with Liverpool and of course England. The feeling of coming here and it being special never gets old. It’s a big game today and a big occasion. It’s a first for me – playing in a Community Shield - but I know it’s a competition Liverpool have always taken seriously, so that brings a responsibility for whoever gets picked to do everything we can to win.
Both clubs went toe-to-toe in the league last year, so do you think the winner will get any kind of advantage by winning today?
I’m not bothered about an advantage, we just want to win – full stop. The opponent is only relevant because in order to win it, we have to beat them. Sure, it’s the same for City. It’s the next game for us and therefore the next one we can win - that’s our attitude. We’ve huge respect for City and what they achieved last season and we also respect they’ll be a big force again this season – but today isn’t about anything other than doing our best to win for our supporters.
How has pre-season been for the club?
Great. I mean, obviously all the international competitions means some of the lads only came back late, but we’ve kept our squad together more or less so I don’t think that will hurt us. Pre-season is tough for players physically, but so it should be. I’ve enjoyed it and I think we’re in good shape.
What are your aims for the season on a personal level?
Keep winning. I’m not going to state anything specific because I don’t think it helps. But as I’ve already said our aim is - and has to be - to go into every game, in every competition with the mindset of winning.
The proceeds from this year’s Shield go towards Heads Up, a mental health initiative aimed at provoking more awareness and conversations to tackle the stigma surrounding it. How important is this area?
Massively important. I think it’s an illness most people and families will have come across and been affected by – so it touches everyone. None of us are immune to it, either. We’ve seen in all walks of life – including football – that people are becoming more comfortable speaking about it and that can only be a good thing. But for those still suffering and looking for help the more awareness we can raise the better.
Read the full interview with Jordan in the Community Shield programme, which you can order online.
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