Kostas Tsimikas has always had a soft spot for the Europa League and wants to go all the way in it with Liverpool this season.
The left-back’s first taste of European football at senior level arrived in the competition during his time with previous club Olympiacos.
On Thursday night, Tsimikas helped the Reds maintain their perfect start in the 2023-24 edition, playing all of the 2-0 victory over Union SG at Anfield.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com post-match, the Greece international said: “For me, it’s special.
“I played in the past with Olympiacos in the Europa League. Since my first game when I played with Olympiacos, I wanted to win this trophy.
“I think the road is open for us. Of course it’s going to be difficult but I think that’s why this team is made to go through and try to win everything.”
Ryan Gravenberch and Diogo Jota were on the scoresheet against the Belgian Pro League leaders, as Liverpool made it two victories from two in Group E.
“I think we were in control,” Tsimikas assessed. “Of course we played a very tough team, I think they defended very well from the first moment until the last moment.
“I think we try to dominate the game, we try to play the football we play always. The second goal came at the end, so we are very happy with the result,” he said.
Gravenberch opened the scoring on the night in the 44th minute to net his first goal for the club since arriving from Bayern Munich in the summer.
Tsimikas has been very impressed by what he’s seen from the No. 38 in a red shirt so far, having been a long-time admirer of his talents.
He concluded: “To be honest, when I played in Holland… I knew him from when he played for Ajax.
“I was really surprised with his talent and all the work he put in. Obviously after years we now play in the same team. I’m really glad we have him here.
“He’s an absolutely perfect talent and I really enjoy every day in training with him and every game we play together.”