Liverpool

Joel Matip: 'I am good enough to succeed at Liverpool'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 15 July 2016

New Liverpool defender Joel Matip is confident that he can handle the pressure of playing for such a big club, but admits that he may have to adapt his playing style.

New Liverpool centre-back Joel Matip has said that he is relishing the pressure that comes with playing for one of the world's biggest clubs.

Matip agreed to join the Reds back in February, but the deal was only finalised last month as the 24-year-old brought an end to his 16-year spell at hometown club Schalke 04.

The Cameroon international acknowledged that he will have to adapt his game in the Premier League, but is confident that he has the quality to succeed in England.

"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," he told the club's official website.

"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. I'm settling in really good. 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."

Matip is expected to feature for Liverpool when they take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in their first match of the new Premier League season.