Liverpool’s Lovren excited ahead of crunch January

Dejan Lovren has urged his Liverpool team-mates to concentrate on the important games ahead and not dwell on their disappointing draw at Sunderland on Monday.

The Reds twice led at the Stadium of Light but Jermain Defoe earned the Black Cats a valuable point, which could harm Liverpool’s title challenge.

January is a key month for Jurgen Klopp’s side as they travel to fierce rivals Manchester United next week before hosting league leaders Chelsea at the end of the month.

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Liverpool are also involved in the League Cup semi-finals, with a two-legged tie against Southampton round the corner, while Premier League sides enter the FA Cup this weekend – with the Reds hosting League Two’s Plymouth Argyle.

And Lovren is buoyant ahead of a busy second half of the campaign, as Liverpool chase their first league title in 27 years.

“There is still half a season to go. There are so many games in front of us and in front of Chelsea. We just have to concentrate on ourselves,” he said.

“We will have more ups and downs throughout the season. We need to learn from the mistakes we made against Sunderland.

“I’d prefer we took the three points and reduced that gap by more but we need to keep moving on.

“We have some really big games in front of us. I’d say we like to play against the big teams. There’s a lot to play for.”