Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund played a friendly in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ahead of the encounter, Joel Matip talked about his injury and his hopes of reclaiming a spot in Jurgen Klopp’s starting lineup.
Joel Matip
Joel Matip’s 2017/18 campaign was cut short due to a thigh injury which forced him to miss the final weeks of the season, including Liverpool’s Champions League run. He also lost his spot in the starting lineup to Dejan Lovren and Virgil van Dijk. Even though he knows it will be tough to reclaim the spot, he’s ready to fight for it.
“We had the quality before and now we have a lot of self-confidence. But I also have no doubt of my quality!
“And with a team like ours, there are always so many games, so you try to get the chance.”
The Cameroonian centre-back also admits it was difficult watching from the sidelines while his teammates competed.
“Nobody wants to see games like this from the stand as a player,”
“Of course it’s not the best part of being a player if you’re injured and have to look on, but this is part of a player’s life.”
Fitness is still a concern for him, as is for any other player before the start of a new season.
“I’m on a good way, of course. The fitness is not at 100% but I’m not the only player who needs this time. This is preparation to get a good fitness level, I’m on a good way and feel self-confident. I still need some time.”
With Dejan Lovren on an extended vacation following his World Cup heroics, Joel Matip should start Liverpool’s opener against West Ham United on August 6.
International Champions Cup: Borussia Dortmund 3 – 1 Liverpool
Joel Matip started in Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in Charlotte, U.S.A. His team led at half-time thanks to a goal by his defensive partner Virgil van Dijk, but Dortmund staged a second-half comeback thanks to Christian Pulisic. The American was introduced in the second period as a substitute, earning and converting a penalty kick in the 68th minute and adding the game-winner in the 89th minute. He was also the one who penetrated Dortmund’s box in stoppage time. Loris Karius made the initial save, but the ball rebounded to Danish youngster Jacob Bruun Larsen, who poked it in the open net.
Christian Pulisic was the man of the match, yet the award escaped his hands as it was sponsored by Heineken. Pulisic is only 19 and since the drinking age in the United States is 21, he was ineligible by law to receive his prize.
The Reds have two more matches scheduled for the American continent against Premier League rivals Manchester City (July 25) and Manchester United (July 28), before taking on Napoli in Dublin (August 4) and Torino at Anfield Road (August 7).
The club has made several quality signings (Fabinho, Naby Keita, Alisson, Shaqiri) in what is the best squad Liverpool has had in years. After reaching the Champions League final, Klopp’s men will be expected to go a step further this season, in addition to challenging Manchester City for the Premier League title.