Liverpool‘s new signing Joel Matip says that he needs to improve physically ahead of the Premier League season.
Matip moved to Liverpool on a free transfer after his contract at Schalke expired this summer, and is one of three summer signings at Anfield thus far, with Loris Karius and Sadio Mane also arriving, as Jurgen Klopp looks to improve his squad in this window.
The 24-year-old enjoyed an excellent final season in the Bundesliga, helping Schalke to a fifth-placed finish. He was ranked as the sixth-best player in the Bundesliga last season and the second-best defender behind Mats Hummels. That Liverpool were able to sign Matin on a free-transfer is an absolute steal.
Matin will be looking to replicate those displays for his new club but he admitted that the transition to the Premier League requires him to improve physically in the coming months.
“I am ready for it but I also have work to do on my body,” Matip told the Reds’ official website.
“This is another league, so I have to work on my body to play in the Premier League.
To be physically strong [enough] for the Premier League.
“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.”
Two months after his transfer was agreed, Liverpool played out a thrilling 4-3 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League having found themselves 2-0 down at half-time.
And after linking up with his team-mates on Merseyside this week, Matip revealed that he was watching on from Germany in anticipation.
“I saw it – it was fantastic,” he told the club’s official website.
“It spoke [volumes] for Liverpool. It was a specific example of Liverpool.
“I was happy [at the thought] that I could maybe be a part of this next season.
“I am very excited to play at Anfield. It will be a very special feeling. I can’t wait to go down Anfield Road and into the stadium – I can’t wait for it.”
