Jeremie Frimpong says he’s settling in well during his first pre-season with Liverpool.
The 24-year-old Netherlands international, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, featured in the second half of the Reds’ 4-2 defeat to AC Milan in Hong Kong on Saturday.
While the result was disappointing, Frimpong stressed the importance of building match sharpness over winning at this stage of preparation.
“Even though it’s pre-season, no one likes to lose,” he told Liverpool FC.
“But pre-season is to get fit. We’re getting there.”
Deployed as a right winger rather than his usual wing-back role, Frimpong made several lively runs and showed flashes of the attacking quality he’s known for.
He made it clear that position doesn’t faze him:
“Anywhere I play, I play the same.
“I’m an attacking full-back, so if I play right-wing, right-back, right wing-back—wherever the manager wants to play me, that’s where I play.”
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Frimpong on settling in and soaking up the support in Hong Kong
With Liverpool’s pre-season tour moving on to Japan after a week in Hong Kong, Frimpong reflected on the bonding experience and the local fan support.
“I knew a few of the boys so obviously it made it easier for me,” he said.
“All the boys are great. We all get along, so it makes it easier for all of us.”
Over 25,000 fans attended Liverpool’s open training session earlier in the week and a record-breaking 50,000 filled Kai Tak Stadium for the clash with Milan.
Frimpong didn’t hide his surprise.
“I didn’t expect this, to be honest. It’s really, really amazing,” he said.
“My dad called me yesterday. He was like, ‘Enjoy every moment.’”
As Liverpool prepares to face Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan, Frimpong is focused on continuing to grow into his role and push toward full fitness ahead of the new season.
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