Alberto Aquilani believes it would have been easier for him to
adjust to Premier League life at Liverpool if the Reds had been in
better form.
The Italian midfielder's limited involvement since his summer
move from Roma to Anfield has been well documented.
Aquilani was injured at the start of his Reds career and
supporters have been frustrated by the length of time it has taken
for Rafa Benitez to bring him into the side on a regular basis.
The 25-year-old admits it has been a difficult time but he
does not think it was fair that he was expected to be Liverpool's
saviour after some disappointing results at the beginning of the
season.
"Ideally, I would have been able to start playing in a team
that was winning matches," he aid in the Daily Mirror.
"But instead, by the time I was fit, the team was going
through a difficult period.
"That made the transition to English football a lot harder.
As a foreign player, moving to a new country with different
team-mates, it would have been easier for me if I was starting my
Liverpool career in a winning team.
"It hasn't been that way, so the pressure has been on me to
produce performances straight away - when I have played though I
know I can do a lot, lot better."
Aquilani is confident his level will improve now he is
getting back into peak condition, while he has told fans they will
see his best when the team is at full strength.
"At the moment I am still regaining my fitness after a long
time away from football and it will take me time to get back to a
level I am happy with - but I don't think I'm that far away," he
said.
"The manager has explained to me in detail what he wants me
to do for the team.
"When every player is fit, including me, I think it will
bring the best out of me, and the fans will see the real player.
"I am happy at Liverpool and am already completely settled.
"It is clear it is a family club and I am grateful for the
way I have been treated - and I now want to repay that kindness."
