Reds welcome Korean trialists
Two Korean youngsters have today made their first tentative steps towards realising their dream of playing for Liverpool FC.
Kim Yoon-Soo, 16, and Park Hyeon-Jim, 18, arrived in the city on Saturday ahead of a week-long trial at the club's Academy.
A meet and greet with first-team stars Dirk Kuyt and Andy Carroll was first on the agenda prior to a Monday morning training session with the reserves.
The duo both showed some neat touches during a two-hour work-out and later sat down with Liverpoolfc.tv to explain what it means to be the first Koreans to pull on a red shirt.
"I've grown up as a Liverpool fan so this is very special for me," said Kim, a central midfielder who has grown up idolising Barcelona star, Xavi.
"I couldn't believe what I was seeing when I was shown the letter saying I was coming here. I was so excited I woke up several times last night and couldn't wait to get out there.
"I'm pleased to have completed my first session and can't wait for the rest of the week now.
"Back home we can only dream of an opportunity like this. I am living that dream and have no words to describe it. It is massive."
Kim's feelings were echoed by Park.
"I've always wanted to play on the European stage so this is a huge chance to show what I can do," said the attacking midfielder.
"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am very grateful to be here. It is something I will be able to talk about for the rest of my life and I'll always be proud of it no matter what the outcome is."
Both Kim and Park looked relaxed as they were put through their paces by reserve team coaches Pep Segura and Steve Cooper.
The right environment is crucial if staff are to make a considered judgement on a player - and Academy director Frank McParland is confident the club's youngsters will make the newcomers feel more than welcome.
"I always tell lads who come on trial to enjoy themselves and to smile," said McParland.
"They are playing football and they are at Liverpool - what more do they want? It's a great opportunity so they should relax and express themselves.
"They trained with the reserves today and will be with the U18s for the rest of the week. We'll have a really good look at them and see what they can do.
"This club is a massive club - but it's a friendly one too. The kids are always really good with the trialists and we work hard on that side of things. If you are going to bring someone all the way from places like Korea, then you want to see the best of them.
"For that to happen they need to feel comfortable and I got the impression they felt content when I spoke to them earlier."
The reserves will travel to Hong Kong for a tournament on Tuesday morning but Segura still found time to give his verdict on the pair's first run-out in red.
"It is a massive experience for them and for us too," said Segura.
"They arrive here from a different culture and have good technical quality and speed. That is important.
"But you can never judge a player on just one training session and it is now up to them to show what they can do over the next few days."
Here are some more pictures of Kim and Park in action at the Academy earlier today. Stay tuned to Liverpoolfc.tv for more news and updates on their week with the Reds.
