Milner's harsh accusations; Liverpool players like video games more, so we won't beat VARdrid

Liverpool FC's poor start to the Premier League season seems to have an explanation, with midfielder James Milner saying his team-mates have focused on playing video games rather than improving their football. The Reds remain in eighth place on 19 points, 15 points behind leaders Arsenal FC, who beat us on Matchday 10.

Milner, who joined Anfield as a free agent in 2015, said his team-mates focus more on the console than on the pitch. "After training I would go and practise corners and free-kicks rather than playing on the PlayStation. It is the norm now. Every single player in that [Liverpool] dressing room is in the gym now before training, doing their own stuff," he said.

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The 36-year-old spoke of his origins, and how football has changed since then, where there are now more youngsters than experienced players. "Back then [at the start of my career], or even at some other clubs now, you might get five to 10 lads in. Here it is 25. That is why the lads are at the level they are at. I was too young [for drinking when I was coming through] anyway," said the former ManCity man.

For the former England international, youngsters need to be more careful and prudent in managing their careers, as any mistake could send them into retirement or oblivion. "You do what you can to be the best. Alcohol is not the best thing for you? Right I will do that [become teetotal]. I lost count of the amount of times people said: 'Oh, just have one.' Or, 'Can I be there when you have your first drink?'".

<strong>Milner wants more professionalism</strong>

Finally Milner, who is out with a (head) injury, hoping to return by the middle of the month, closed with a message of experience and opportunity to the youngsters. "If it had happened they would probably have regretted being there, I would have thought. I could have turned into being pretty ruthless. You don't know. I could have been a hugger and a kisser as well. It was a different time," said the Leeds United singer.