Melwood coaches 'very, very optimistic' about Marko Grujic
Liverpool's coaching staff have long been optimistic about the potential of Marko Grujic and are now relishing the prospect of developing the midfielder's natural talent.
Fans were treated to an impressive first appearance by the new No.16 – signed from Red Star Belgrade in January – in Wednesday’s 5-0 friendly victory over Fleetwood Town.
Grujic had already won a penalty that was saved before breaking the deadlock himself 18 minutes into the game with a composed side-foot finish from Alberto Moreno’s cross at Highbury Stadium.
It was the high point of a personal performance which showed off many of the Serb’s strengths and only the woodwork denied him a second when he later clipped a clever shot from a tight angle.
“We are very, very optimistic. Not [only] since Wednesday, because we knew him before of course,” Peter Krawietz, assistant to Jürgen Klopp, told Liverpoolfc.com.
“He has had a good start and this is the point from where we can start to work with him and develop improvement with him.
“He has the possibility to play in different positions in midfield. He is a young player; he still has to adapt to the Premier League and our style of play.
“We know you need strong players and tall players – a mixture for Premier League football. He has every possibility to adapt quickly.”
Fellow summer arrival Loris Karius made his second appearance for the Reds against the League One side, chalking up another clean sheet during a 45-minute runout.
It was subsequently revealed that the goalkeeper has chosen not to represent Germany at the upcoming Olympic Games and instead focus on the club duties at hand.
Krawietz applauded the 23-year-old’s commitment and explained why the early signs have also been positive with the recruit from Mainz.
He said: “This is a good sign for the club and for us.
“And a good sign for him that he is really ready to work and identify with the club, to try to improve and adapt quickly to our style of play – all of the things that you need in England as a goalkeeper especially.
“We are very happy that he is here and very happy that we have him in pre-season to work with him.”
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