Borini: Liverpool serious about Europa League

Italian forward Fabio Borini says Liverpool are treating the Europa League as if it were the Champions League.

Liverpool will host Udinese on Thursday and Borini believes playing against teams on the cusp of Europe’s premier club competition raises the standard of the matches.

“I think (the Europa League) is very important,” he said.

“It can take us to a new performance level that is very high, because we play against other European teams like Udinese who should also play in the Champions League.

“For us it is our Champions League.”

Liverpool made a slow start to the campaign under new manager Brendan Rodgers but bounced back with wins over West Bromwich Albion in the League Cup and Norwich City in the Premier League.

“In Liverpool the expectations are always high because it is a top club and it has to be this way,” Borini said.

“I came here because I also have got big expectations. That is why I chose this club.”

Borini, who joined Liverpool from Roma in July, said he felt comfortable amongst the new faces at Anfield.

“I think not just me, but lots of players are very young, and maybe in their first year in the Premier League or the Europa League,” he said.

“It is very important because it gives the team some freshness and enthusiasm.

“It also helps me learn from Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez and Jamie Carragher, because they are top players.

“They have played in every kind of game you could possibly play, and that is really helpful.”