Joel Matip: I want to prove myself at LFC against the best
Joel Matip has revealed the opportunity to test himself ‘against the best’ was a motivating factor in his decision to move to Liverpool this summer.
The centre-back finalised a switch from FC Schalke earlier this month after agreeing to join the Reds back in February.
And having spent his entire professional career with the Bundesliga side, Matip admits the chance to try his hand in the Premier League was something he could not refuse.
He said: “That’s why I came here - I want to play against the best to become better.
“That was my thinking and my choice and I’m really looking forward to it.
“There’s pressure but I want that – it’s the reason why I came here. I think I am good enough and I’ll show this.
“Leadership is something I will have to grow into but I am also sure I have the ability for that position and from the way I approach the game.
“My plus points? I am very good under high balls, especially at corners and set-pieces.
“The Premier League is much more physical and I will have to adapt a little bit because the style of play is a little different. But I have enough self-confidence to say that I am good enough for it.”
Since beginning pre-season training at Melwood on July 2, Matip has figured in both of Liverpool’s pre-season fixtures so far against Tranmere Rovers and Fleetwood Town.
“I’m settling in really good,” the Cameroon international continued. “People have been really nice to me and it’s been a huge new experience. I am very happy to be here.
“I had 16 years at Schalke. It was my hometown club, I grew up there my whole life and it was a big decision to leave. It wasn’t easy to leave there. But it was an easy decision to decide to join Liverpool.
“When I was a child I wanted to play in the Premier League and Liverpool was a great and famous club that everybody knows so it was a great honour to be playing for them.
“It was an easy decision and I am happy with it. I had a decision to stay at Schalke or go out into the world and I am happy with the decision I made.”
Watch every kick of Liverpool's seven remaining pre-season matches on LFCTV and LFCTV GO - click here for more details.