Before Liverpool FC's Carabao Cup third-round match against Tottenham Hotspur, Koumas gave an exclusive interview to Sky Sports. In the first part of the interview (due to its length, we've divided it into three parts), he discussed his feelings about being at Liverpool FC this season and his growth as a player.

Let's start by discussing Arne Slot's recent comments about you. When asked why he decided to keep you in the squad, he said that within a week of joining, he knew he wouldn't loan you out. When did you realize you were part of his plans for this season?

I think it was during the pre-season tour in the United States. After the match against Sunderland, maybe mid-pre-season, he gave me a hint that I would stay. So it felt really good to finally hear the news.

Were you prepared to be loaned out again? Did you expect that possibility?

Without a doubt, the past few years have been filled with ups and downs, moving between several teams. But this year I really wanted to establish myself at a proper big club, and I'm pleased it's happened.

As you mentioned, you've played for various clubs. What have you learned from those experiences?

These experiences have taught me a lot. There have been highlights, but often there have been difficult periods you need to learn to cope with. But all these experiences have shaped me into who I am today. Overall, it's been invaluable experience.

What were those difficult periods? Was it about moving around, having no stability, not knowing where you'd be next?

That's right. At first it was hard. Leaving home was never easy. I went to Stoke City when I was around seventeen or eighteen. Those days were tough, but I accepted it and dealt with it. In the long run, this experience really helped me grow as a player into who I am today.

What qualities do you think Slot saw in you that made him want to keep you this season?

Without a doubt, my running ability and pressing style. I'm eager to fight hard for the team and willing to do everything he asks. Of course, I also have technical ability. I can score, I'm quick, and my technique is good. I'm really pleased to receive his recognition.

His playing style and your characteristics happen to complement each other well.

Yes, absolutely. He values high pressing, an aggressive playing style, and complete commitment. These are exactly the qualities I hope to bring to the team.

He also mentioned your versatility. During pre-season, you played several attacking positions for Liverpool FC. He said you can play as a winger, a number 9, or a number 10. Throughout your career, has the ability to play multiple positions been an advantage for you?

Yes, absolutely. It's been very helpful and has made it easier for me to get playing time. If I could only play one position, I might not have had any opportunities during pre-season or even this season. So versatility helps a lot. My various loan spells have also had a major impact: I played as a left-back at Stoke City and Birmingham City, and I've tried almost every attacking position. These experiences are what have given me opportunities now.

Which position do you think suits you best?

It depends on the type of game, but I think I'm most dangerous when playing as a central number 9. I can drift left and right, cut inside, and use all my technical abilities to the fullest. Of course, if I'm on the right wing, I can contribute defensively, which is also a strength of mine. And if I'm on the left, I can penetrate the opposition's defense. As long as the position allows me to press, I'm happy to play anywhere.

When you look at Liverpool FC's attacking lineup full of talented players, is training with them and observing how they adapt during matches also a learning opportunity for you? Like a masterclass?

Absolutely. Almost every day in training, I pay attention to what I can learn from them. The demands differ depending on the position, and I'm constantly observing and learning. Especially when Mohamed Salah is in the team and Luis Díaz—in every training session I watch and try to apply what I learn to my own playing style.

Who have you learned from the most? Obviously Luis Díaz was also a Liverpool FC player.

Yes, Luis Díaz. I've always admired him. I mentioned in my previous interview that he was my favorite player when he was at Liverpool FC. I always watch him and try to incorporate some of his playing style into my own game.

แปลโดย AI

เว็บไซต์ AF เปิดตัวแล้ว! ดูข่าว ความคิดเห็น รายละเอียดแมตช์ และสถิติครบถ้วนบนคอมพิวเตอร์ของคุณ เยี่ยมชม: www.allfootballapp.com