Marko Grujic on Jürgen Klopp, wild celebrations and his Liverpool dream.
Grujic has been impressive in his first two games for Liverpool - he sat down with James Pearce to discuss his Reds career so far
Liverpool's Marko Grujic celebrates scoring his team's opening goal during the pre-season friendly match at John Smith's Stadium,
Two games, two goals and two animated celebrations not usually witnessed in friendly fixtures against lower league opposition.
When the latter comes up in conversation at the start of the Reds' pre-season tour of America, the young Serbian midfielder smiles and provides a simple explanation for the outpouring of emotion which followed his sweet strikes in the routine wins over Fleetwood and Huddersfield.
“I know they are only friendly games,” Grujic told the ECHO.
“But whenever I score a goal my adrenaline always goes very high. I just can't control myself!
“When I started playing football at the age of seven, I always wanted to play in front of big crowds.
“Every goal means a lot to me, especially now I have joined this massive club. I think the celebration showed how much I want to do well for Liverpool.
“This is my dream and I want to take every opportunity that I get to show what I can do.”
Grujic cost Liverpool £5.1million from Red Star Belgrade back in January but he remained on loan in his homeland until the end of the season in order to help his boyhood club clinch the Serbian title.
Since his arrival, the 20-year-old has quickly endeared himself to Reds fans with two commanding displays.
At 6ft 3ins he's a man mountain and provides Liverpool with the kind of physical presence they have been crying out for.
As well as being a creative force, he has showcased his finishing expertise – most notably with the classy half volley he put away against Huddersfield on Wednesday night.
“I have come from the Serbian League which is easier than the Premier League,” Grujic said.
“There's a big difference between Serbian and English football and I will need to adapt.
“The games are faster and the tempo is quicker than I was used to. But I feel like I have the qualities to help me do well.
“I've enjoyed the two games against Fleetwood and Huddersfield.
“It's been a good start for me and for the squad in general as we prepare for the new season.
“I had to miss the Wigan game because I had sickness and a small problem with my back but everything is okay now. I felt good against Huddersfield.
“It's a pleasure for me to play alongside quality players like Coutinho, Firmino, Mane and Lovren.”
Grujic on Klopp & Buvac
It was a phone call from Jürgen Klopp to Grujic last December which helped Liverpool beat off competition from a host of top European clubs to secure his signature.
Working with the Reds boss over the past three weeks has whetted his appetite for what lies ahead.
“It's been a big pleasure for me,” Grujic said.
“Jürgen is a great coach and I'm learning all the time.
“Zeljko (Buvac, assistant manager) has also helped me. He speaks the same language as me so that makes it easy to talk with him.
“All the staff have been very good to me. It's not hard to adapt and settle in when people give you the kind of help that I've had since I joined Liverpool.
“I feel like I've been at this club for two or three years already.”
Grujic on America trip and midfield partners
Grujic is enjoying his first visit to America and he knows the tour represents a step up in class in more ways than one.
The opposition will certainly be of a higher calibre than Liverpool have faced so far this summer with International Champions Cup games against Chelsea and AC Milan in California followed by a clash with Roma in St Louis.
There will also be increased competition for the central midfield spots following the return to club duty of captain Jordan Henderson and James Milner. Emre Can will link up with the squad next week.
“It's very exciting,” Grujic said.
“I've never been to America before but I know that San Francisco and LA are great cities.
“We have some difficult games coming up against stronger teams and that's what we need. It will be good for our preparation.
“With the guys from the Euros coming back, that includes some nice players for my position.
“Milner, Can, Henderson – they are perfect. There's a lot of competition for those midfield places.”
Grujic was bought for the long-term but this tour provides him with the stage to prove he's ready to be thrown straight into Premier League duty next month.
If the goals continue to flow for him Stateside then you can expect the knee slide, fist pump celebration to be taken up a notch.
“This time we're spending in America is very important,” he added.
“There is a lot of hard work to be done. I know I have a lot to learn and I need to listen to what the manager asks from me.
“Of course I want to play in the first XI in the Premier League, but there are a lot of very good players at this club in my position.
“I have to prove myself in order to get minutes on the pitch. I want to keep contributing.
“Everything has been like a dream for me at Liverpool so far and now I will continue to give my best.”
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