German links making Joel Matip feel right at home
Reassuring words in German on and off the pitch are helping to ensure Joel Matip feels right at home as he prepares to make his Anfield debut against Leicester City.
The centre-back swapped the Bundesliga for the Premier League in the summer when he joined the Reds on a free transfer from FC Schalke.
Matip’s pre-season was disrupted by injury but he recovered sufficiently to make his first appearance in England’s top flight at Tottenham Hotspur before the international break.
Though Jürgen Klopp’s team conceded a second-half equaliser which forced them to settle for a point that day, the 25-year-old combined effectively with Dejan Lovren in defence.
The pair will look to maintain that budding partnership at the back when the reigning champions visit Anfield for the opening game at the redeveloped stadium.
And ahead of the fixture, Matip revealed how their mutual fluency in two different languages could be advantageous in keeping out the opposition.
“Sometimes German, sometimes English,” he told Liverpoolfc.com of their communication. “It’s a mix but we understand each other. Dejan speaks perfect German.
“At the beginning, we played a lot of games together. Also when Ragnar [Klavan] came back, I have a good feeling with him.
“Dejan gives me cover all the time and I know I can trust him. It also needs some time so I know the way he will make and he knows the way I will make. It needs some time but it will get better.”
Away from the field, meanwhile, Matip is still finding his feet in a new city and different surroundings – but that part of his adaptation is being aided especially by another teammate in Emre Can.
The No.32 said: “If I have got some questions, I always know there’s one person who can speak the same language and can help.
“The other players speak English or French, no problem. They made a very warm welcome to me and help me where they can. It’s very nice to be in this team.”
The redevelopment of Anfield’s Main Stand has meant a longer wait for Matip’s home debut than is usual for a summer signing.
But the delay is likely to end when Liverpool host Leicester this evening – and the defender is well prepared to handle the added circumstances around the match.
“In my hometown there were always 60,000. So I know these games. Every game was sold out at home so I know a little bit about these atmospheres,” he said.
“It will be special because it’s a new stadium and the opponents are last year’s champions. Everybody will be extremely motivated and everybody wants to get three points.”