Victor Munoz has turned up at Liverpool with the right credentials and, more importantly, the right attitude. He is a World Cup winner with Spain, a new Liverpool forward, and already talking like someone who understands that medals from the summer count for very little once pre-season starts.
The 23-year-old, who joined from Osasuna in June, has now trained for the first time with Andoni Iraola's squad after cutting short his break. That alone tells you plenty. Players talk a lot in their opening interviews. Some of it is routine, some of it is forgettable. What matters here is that Munoz has arrived early, wants minutes quickly and sees Liverpool as a serious step up rather than a comfortable landing spot.
His first message was clear enough. "It was an unforgettable experience out there at the World Cup. It was something I had dreamed of from a very young age and to be honest, something I never thought I would experience in my life. However, I'm very conscious that that is behind me now and I come here full of intention for Liverpool FC." That is the correct answer, and more importantly, the correct mindset.
There was nothing drawn out about this move. Munoz explained that the deal developed while he was away with Spain, which meant there was little room for tours, ceremony or hesitation. From his point of view, the decision was made quickly because it did not need much debate.
"It was a very quick process. Obviously, when it arose I was out there at the World Cup with the Spain squad so I couldn't take any time away to come over to Liverpool to set things in stone here. But obviously I discussed it with my family and straight away there were no doubts that it was a great move for me. So, it went very, very quickly and I am very happy to be here."
That is what Liverpool will want to hear from any signing. No drama, no mixed messages, no need for persuasion. He saw the opportunity and took it.
It did not take long for Iraola to become central to Munoz's explanation of why he signed. The new head coach appears to have offered him clarity, and for younger players that matters. Minutes matter too, but first they want a manager who can explain the role, the pathway and the expectation.
Photo: IMAGO
Munoz said, "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."
That reference to confidence is important. Iraola's football demands energy, width, pressure and repeat sprints. If Munoz is going to be useful, he has to fit those patterns quickly. The player clearly believes he does. "I think so. 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."
That is blunt and to the point. He sees the tactical match, and Liverpool will expect him to prove it.
Munoz also made an early decision that coaches tend to appreciate. He shortened his holiday and reported early. Again, words are cheap, but this is an action. He knows adaptation matters, especially when the move involves a new country, a new league and a much harsher level of scrutiny.
"Obviously, pre-season is well under way and I was at the World Cup when the decision came through about the transfer. I was in a position there 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."
His account of the first session was standard enough, but still useful. He stressed that teammates had been welcoming, that the work was intensive and that the environment was demanding. Good. It should be. Liverpool need additions who are ready to compete, not passengers hoping to settle gently.
He said, "It was a very good session we had today. I said in my previous answer that 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."
He also sounds realistic about the level around him. "Of course. 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."
Munoz's decision to join Liverpool looks like a no-brainer, and his comments suggest that he is eager to get stuck into the action. With Iraola's guidance, he may find that he is more than ready to take on the challenge.
Source: Yahoo Sports