So when you spoke to Arne Slot, that was a big part of this as well – was it the encouragement you got from him and how important he thinks you’re going to be to Liverpool?
We talked about the tactics and the plan and where he sees where I can improve and where I can help the team. Obviously when [the] coach comes also and talks to you, it’s a big thing, it’s a big sign of respect. For me, there were no second doubts then that I want to go somewhere else. It was always Liverpool.
You’ve experienced life against Liverpool and the magic that Anfield brings. But to run out with that badge on your chest, have you thought about how that might feel, how the noise might feel as one of their players?
Even before I flew here, my brothers put on [the] TV Anfield and before the games and how the fans are and everything. Everyone in my family, I can say in my hometown, can’t wait for me to step into Anfield.
You’re on the back of a wonderful, record-breaking season at Bournemouth as well that you played such a big part in…
It was a good season. It was my second year in the Premier League and I’m really happy how the team did, how some individuals did, how I did of course. I’m happy, like I say, but I think this is only [the] beginning for me. I can only improve and get a lot better. Now that I’m here in Liverpool, it’s only going to get better for me, so I’m really happy for that.
You must feel in a brilliant moment having had that experience of 74 games for Bournemouth and playing as well as you had been, to being in just the right moment to take that into your Liverpool career now…
For me it’s important. The first year was important for me to take in how the Premier League is. The intensity, the players, the training – everything that you just need to do to be consistent on this level – nutrition and all that stuff. That year I took a lot in. Last year I also learned and improved a lot. Like I say, now that you come to the biggest club, you know you have to work hard and everyone is going to help you to get on the high level and to reach your potential.
I watched an interview with you when you became a Bournemouth player and you were asked to describe yourself. You described yourself as a ‘crazy left-back’. How would you describe yourself now two years on with that Premier League experience that you have?
Same! Maybe outside of the field, a little bit more calmer. But inside is always the same for me. You need to help the team to win and you need to give 110 per cent. That’s always, for me, the case.
This experience will be one for you to learn from seasoned professionals and trophy winners as well. How excited are you about that part of it?
Yeah, really excited, like I say. I had a conversation with my brothers and we always say that, also for me personally, Robbo is the best left-back that played in the Premier League, for me, and my brothers agree on that also. So, to come and to be next to such a player who has so much experience, played so many years on a high level, won the Champions League and everything, it’s important for me. Like I said, all the guys are good and they’re all going to help me to reach a higher potential. I’m looking forward to it.
Dominik Szoboszlai and yourself are very close friends as well. That will play a big part in this, won’t it? To almost have another big brother to help you into this Liverpool experience?
Yeah, he’s a really, really, really close, really good friend of mine, and we talk already every second or third day. It’s good to have a friend and it’s only going to make it easier for you, he’s going to show me around everything, so it’ll be good to have him here.
What has he said about Liverpool? What has he said about the experiences that he’s had and how this place feels?
Just that when you come here, it’s the top of football. You’re going to see the people and everyone around the club – from, I don’t know, food and training and from the kitchen and everything that’s professional, the physios – that you’re going to feel a completely different level, the highest level in football. And obviously that I should come. So, now here I am.
