InterviewMelkamu Frauendorf: I need to work as hard as possible to keep learning

The 19-year-old has made two first-team appearances under the Reds boss so far, with both of those coming in cup competitions against lower league opposition.

Frauendorf’s opening bow was earned last January, as he stepped off the bench against Shrewsbury Town in the Emirates FA Cup.

He was afforded another opportunity in November, making his first start at Anfield in the Carabao Cup penalty shootout victory over Derby County.

The German national – who made the switch from Hoffenheim in 2020 – is now working hard for more minutes and chances, continuing his development at the Academy with Barry Lewtas’ U21s outfit.

Read on below as Frauendorf reflects on his Liverpool career so far, outlines his Premier League target and discusses the recent inspiration provided by Stefan Bajcetic’s first senior goal...

On his recent inclusion on the winter training camp in Dubai…

It was amazing. That was the second time I had been away with the first team and to go out to Dubai was a great experience for me again. Having the opportunity to train with the first-team players and to spend some time with them helped me to learn even more and I could then try to improve different parts of my game. All the staff and players helped me in that and I enjoyed the trip and being in the first-team environment a lot.

On his Carabao Cup start against Derby County in November…

It was an amazing feeling. It was my first time starting and I still had the same feeling as I did the first time I played [as a substitute v Shrewsbury Town in January 2022]. It was just amazing to play at Anfield in front of all the fans.

On lining up alongside a number of other youngsters that night…

Yes, that made it a really special night for all of us. It is a great competition for younger players to play in and there were so many young players involved that day which shows you how much the manager trusts the Academy. The whole night was just really amazing for us, especially getting the win in the penalty shootout too.

On continuing to fight for more opportunities…

I just need to do my thing in training and work as hard as possible to keep learning and improving. And if I get the chance to play for the first team again at some stage, I will be ready and I will try to enjoy it again.

On goalscoring being a key part of his game…

Yes, 100 per cent. I think that it’s important for me to score goals and make assists while playing well and working hard for the team to try to help us win games. That’s what I want to do and hopefully we will win matches and I will be able to score and make goals too. I think the U21s do that really well as a team and it’s just important that we keep doing that.

On seeing Stefan Bajcetic score his first senior goal against Aston Villa on Boxing Day…

Without doubt, it was amazing! I watched the game and I was happy when I saw Stefan coming on to play the last few minutes. Then I saw him break into the box, take a touch and shoot. When he scored, I was really, really happy for him. He’s a really good player who works hard, so he deserved it. Again, that shows how much the manager trusts our young players and wants them to play and do well. For the other young players, it also shows us that we can make it as well and that if you keep working hard and improving, those chances will come. A Premier League appearance is definitely a big target for me and something that I want to keep working hard towards.

On his development at Liverpool so far…

I am happy with my progress. The style of play is good for me and it is working well, so I am just trying to improve myself every day and aiming to keep getting better. If I can do that then hopefully I will have more chances with the first team. I’m really happy at this club. I like the people and I like training here, so I really enjoy playing at Liverpool.

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