Andy Robertson pens 'love letter to Liverpool players, staff and fans' in new book narrating Premier League title

Having written a book chronicling last season’s Premier League title win, Liverpool Andy Robertson could be forgiven for seeing this Sunday’s trip to Chelsea as a chance to start planning a second volume.

A statement performance at Stamford Bridge would lay down a marker to the challengers.

Chelsea have invested heavily this summer to close the gap to the champions, Liverpool responding with this week’s £20 million purchase of Thiago Alcantara, which they have followed up with the signing of Diogo Jota from Wolves.

The calibre of player Frank Lampard has recruited has prompted many to see them as contenders.

Speaking prior to Liverpool's deals at the book launch for 'Robbo: Now You're Gonna Believe Us', Robertson suggested comparisons between the clubs’ spending are unwise.

“I don’t like comparing teams,” said Robertson.

“Different people have different structures, different transfer targets, different ways of how they build the club and things like that. Obviously, they’ve spent a good amount of money, which they hope brings them success trying to build a squad after their transfer ban. Their signings are, for a neutral, exciting. The Chelsea of last season has improved, that’s safe to say, and now we face that challenge [that] they have got very good players. They had very good players last season but they’ve improved their squad. They hope to be challenging and we expect that and we expect a tough game on Sunday but I wouldn’t really compare it to us. We all go on our different journeys and I think the new Chelsea journey is just starting out. The Chelsea fans will be excited so let’s see where it goes for them.”

Does he sense an extra spark to the rivalry?

“Chelsea are one of our closest rivals, and there is always an edge when you play them just like when we play Manchester City, Manchester United or whoever,” he said.

“There’s always that, always the bragging rights, of trying to win the League. Chelsea have been successful in doing that in the last 10-15 years. We are starting to try and be successful again. These are the things that come with it.

“We’ve got the title and everyone wants to win this one this season. So I’ve got nothing but respect for Chelsea, all of us have respect for them, I would hope they have respect for us as well, so we look forward to the challenge.”

Before Alcantara, Liverpool’s most significant summer purchase was £10 million for Greek left-back Kostas Tsimikas, increasing the competition for Robertson’s position.

“It’s part and parcel of being at a big club,” he said.

“That’s the nature of the beast. People come in and compete for positions. I did when I came in. I was no different. I came in to compete with Alberto for the left-back spot. I can’t say I watched a lot of Olympiakos games last year but from what I have seen in training Kostas is high in quality and a good player and good guy who fits into the squad very well. For me, I want to be the left-back who starts every week if possible and I will be working towards that like I did the last three seasons here. Everything in training is towards that. I think I have started the season quite well. I hope that continues but I have to do what I have been doing. I believe I will be good enough to do it and we can have a good season individually and collectively.”

Liverpool’s focus has been on securing title number 20 rather than linger on number 19 during pre-season, but the Scotland captain was prepared to make an exception for a worthy cause, penning what he describes as "a love letter to players, staff and fans" to commemorate the club’s victory.

“I have started my own charity - AR26 - to help underprivileged kids,” explained Robertson.

“All the proceeds of the book will go towards that. That is one of the main reasons I did it. To know I can make a difference and help kids who are not as fortunate as others. It is definitely worth putting a few letters on a piece of paper and writing about a fantastic story. Hopefully the money raised can make a big difference.”