Liverpool new-boy explains what he needs in pre-season to succeed in England

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Joel Matip claims he’s honoured to be part of the Liverpool setup, but admits he’s got a lot of work to do during pre-season in order to be ready for his debut campaign in the Premier League (via LiverpoolFC.com).

Joining from the Bundesliga, there’s obviously going to be a huge difference in the way the game is played. The Premier League is known for being far more physical than the other top leagues, and Matip has a lot to learn during this brief pre-season.

Asked what his motivations were for joining Liverpool, the 24-year-old claimed there were many, from Jurgen Klopp to the club name itself.

“There were many points: the coach, the club, the supporters… everything was good. It was a good and simple decision for me,” he said.

“It’s a great pleasure and honour to be a part of this big club.”

He claims there’s a lot of work to do before the season gets started though, and is hopeful the Liverpool staff and coaches will help him prepare for the rigours of the English top flight.

“I am ready for it [English football] but I also have work to do on my body,” he continued.

“This is another league, so I will have to work on my body to play here and to be physically strong [enough] for the Premier League.

“I decided to do it myself, but I think the coaching staff and manager will help me reach this level and to be fit for the season.

“Of course, the Bundesliga is at a high level. Maybe it’s a different level, but it’s also a high level and I think I have got enough to play here.”

Matip looks like an excellent signing, and the versatile defensive star will hopefully adapt quickly to the Premier League. All of Jurgen Klopp’s signings so far have looked like incredibly interesting prospects, and with pre-season now underway we’ll hopefully get to see them in action very soon.

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Markovic hoping to win Klopp over in pre-season

The manager doesn’t look like he’s done in the transfer market yet either, so fingers crossed for more great signings too.

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