Liverpool suffered a crushing 4-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City on Thursday, which was their second league defeat of this campaign.
The Reds’ first defeat came in February when Watford sealed a 3-0 victory at Vicarage Road.
The same fixture also saw Gerard Deulofeu stretchered off the pitch after suffering a serious knee injury. The forward went under the knife and is expected to spend most of this calendar year on the sidelines.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the former Everton man revealed he’s already received advice from those players who suffered similar injuries in the past.
“I work with great professionals who help me in rehabilitation, but these months I have also spoken with Muniain, who has suffered a similar injury twice, Canales, Asensio and Rafinha. Everyone has told me the same thing: this stage makes you much stronger,” he said.
The Hornets player stressed he’s mentally prepared when asked what he fears the most when returning to the pitch after regaining full fitness.
“The first few times, to run, to change direction or to finish… But I have realised that I am ready to injure myself again, to have to go through this again. If it happens, I know I’m not going to sink because I’ve learned to face problems. I’m strong, I’m not afraid,” Deulofeu explained.
“A good environment is essential. Being at home, in Barcelona, with my family, is a luck that not everyone has. Others are forced to go far to recover. But on a mental level I am stronger than on a physical level.”
The 26-year-old initially joined the Premier League side on loan from Barcelona in January 2018 and his stay was made permanent later that year. Over the last two years, he has been linked with Serie A clubs.
Despite still recovering from the injury, Deulofeu explained why he is happier at Watford.
“I haven’t accomplished anything yet. I have a long way to go. Last season, I scored 12 goals and I want to repeat it. I don’t know how much time I have left in the Premier League, but I am happier at Watford than being a substitute at Barça,” Nigel Pearson’s man stressed.
“Of the five teams I have been to, the humblest is where I am most comfortable. I feel important, confident, and play almost always.
“And my life has changed. It matters little to be in the best club in the world, but if you are not happy, it is worth nothing. And whoever says otherwise is lying.”
Deulofeu struggled for minutes during his time Barcelona and after experiencing it first hand, his comments indicate he’s wary of joining a big club in the future.
