Victor Muñoz is hoping to make his Liverpool debut in Sunday's Anfield preseason friendly against AS Monaco as he discussed his choice to shorten his summer break in order to join the Reds ahead of schedule.
The 23-year-old was part of Spain's squad for last month's FIFA World Cup triumph but didn't see any action, having been snapped up by Liverpool from Osasuna in a £34.5 million (around $47 million) transfer in June that beat out Newcastle United. The winger arrived at the AXA Training Centre for the first time on Wednesday to begin his preseason preparations - merely two and a half weeks after Spain defeated Argentina to claim the World Cup trophy at MetLife Stadium.
Manager Andoni Iraola has already stated that fellow World Cup participant Alexis Mac Allister won't rejoin his teammates until after the Reds' matchup with Monaco. However, having spent the summer watching from the bench with Spain, Muñoz was eager to dive in and begin work at his new club at the earliest opportunity.
"Preseason is well under way and I was at the World Cup when the decision came through about the transfer," he said, via
the Liverpool Echo. "I was in a position where I couldn't play in the team for Spain so as soon as that competition was over, the main thing on my agenda was getting here, training and getting to meet my teammates.
"Obviously, you need time to adapt when you are moving to a new club and a new country so for me it was a case of the earlier I could get started, the better.
"I feel good. I'm very keen to get on, to establish myself both in training and in playing. I was very keen to get here. With the training, I'm hoping to be able to have fun with my new family and bit by bit I'm sure they're going to help me to get back to my top level.
"I had a great experience today (Wednesday) with my teammates for the first time. They've all been very helpful and several of those teammates set out for me in a very simple manner things like where to go, what we are going to do, how things work. And of course, I have had my first training session today with my teammates and the coach, and the class we had after the training session was very good and helpful also. So, I feel great.
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"My teammates were very, very welcoming – that applies equally on the pitch and off. Everyone has been very helpful towards me and very welcoming. We had an intensive training session today. There was a lot to it, a lot of content, and I think as my first point of contact with the club, it bodes well for the future.
"I think I'm ready (to play). Obviously, if the coach says so after training and asks me to feature in the starting XI, I'll be there. I'm keen, and I can't wait to get started. [Against] Monaco, why not?".
Prior to Liverpool's late intervention, Muñoz had appeared destined for a transfer to Newcastle United. However, when Liverpool came calling, there was no hesitation in turning down Newcastle, with the World Cup winner certain that the Reds represent the ideal destination as he anticipates working under fellow countryman Iraola.
"I discussed it with my family and straight away there were no doubts that it was a great move for me," he told club media. "So, it went very, very quickly and I am very happy to be here.
"I'm sure it's the correct step for me and this is exactly what the coach, Andoni [Iraola], said to me as well – that he was going to put a lot of confidence in me. He rightly pointed out that I am quite a young player, I'm here as a professional and he is going to help me. He is going to help me to develop, and develop within and for this great club and in this mythical stadium, Anfield.
"His style, it is well known already that he likes to play with open wingers on both sides and to build this constant and intense pressure, this overwhelming drive forward. So, I think that fits perfectly with my skillset, these are tools that I as a player also bring to the game, so I think it is a good fit for me and I hope to bring these skills to Liverpool.
"This club has got some real top-class, world-class players. I think that's going to help me – it can only help me – in training and in matches to gear up to the tempo that comes with playing in the Premier League.
"There are no shocks to me but it's something that is part of the adaptation and it can only go well for me."
Source: Alloutsoccer.com
