InterviewJoel Matip: We've used Dubai trip to get full focus back on the season

The Reds will return to competitive action on December 22 against Manchester City in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, which follows a near-six-week hiatus from games.

Jürgen Klopp and his coaching staff opted to use the break to undertake a mid-season, warm-weather camp in the United Arab Emirates, designed to get the squad back up to speed before fixtures begin once more.

Also on the agenda has been participating in the Dubai Super Cup, a competition that saw Matip make his return last week against Olympique Lyonnais, after being sidelined since mid-October through injury.

The centre-back sat down with Liverpoolfc.com to discuss the camp, the work that has been put in by the players, a final outing against AC Milan and more. Read on for the interview below…

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On the training camp in Dubai…

It was something different. It's really nice to get some sun also and to spend some time with the team to get your head completely into the game and prepare everything you need to do.

It's not similar but in Germany we are used to having kind of a winter break but it's not that long, of course. [It's been good] to recharge the batteries and get the focus back on. It's something nice.

On what kind of work has been put in on the training pitch…

I think it's [a bit of] everything. Of course, we have to do some fitness work, but during the break you already did something for yourself. So you had the base to continue directly with the ball but we work also as a team together to improve our style and get back to what makes us strong.

On his return to action against Lyon after injury…

When you are injured you always have to look from outside and it's not the favourite part of every player. If you can finally be on the pitch for a game, it's quite a joy.

On whether he's a good watcher of games from the sidelines…

No, not really! I'm there on the side but, of course, as a football player you want to be on the pitch and this is my favourite part.

On a possible reunion with Divock Origi against AC Milan...

Unfortunately for us, because he's always a big threat, but hopefully we can handle him! Of course [it'll be good] to get some minutes into the legs and to get in better shape.

On being ready to restart and face Man City next week…

We are ready but we've still got some time and we want to use this time with every second and every time we get on the pitch to [try to] get better.

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