Fabinho is still waiting for his Liverpool debut, but the Brazilian is looking forward to that changing in the near future.
It’s fair to say it has been a slow start to life at Liverpool for Fabinho, who arrived from Monaco with a big reputation back in July.
Brought in as a replacement for Emre Can and a possible upgrade to Jordan Henderson in the No. 6 role, the 24-year-old was tipped to be a game-changer from the start.
It hasn’t panned out that way yet, however, with Fabinho eased in by Jurgen Klopp as he adjusts to his new manager’s tactical and physical demands.
Surprisingly, he is yet to play a minute in Liverpool’s opening four Premier League games, instead watching from the sidelines and only making the matchday squad in the 4-0 win over West Ham last month.
Speaking to Globo Esporte, Fabinho says he is ready to make his Reds bow, as he continues to settle into life on Merseyside:
“My start has been a good, good adaptation. The pre-season was very good, we had nine friendlies and I played nine.
“It was good to play against English teams to see what the rhythm, the intensity and the physicality are like.
“The way the team played I got it right, the more experienced players helped me, the technical team as well.
“Me and my wife are liking the city, we already have a home. Firmino is being a great guy, his family has given good support to me and Alisson.
“It’s been fine. Having Brazilians in the team helps. Now it’s really [time] to make the debut. I’m fine, training well and prepared.”
The Brazil international also touched upon Klopp’s “cautious” early treatment of him, accepting that the German will do things his own way.
“The coach is being cautious, he has spoken [to me] a few times,” he added.
“Of course I always want to play, but I am calm and working with patience because I know that the season is long, with many games.
“I have to be prepared for when I get my chance.”
Fabinho‘s chance will surely come soon after the international break, although the trip to Tottenham on September 15 would be a case of throwing him in at the deep end.
The visit of Southampton seven days later makes more sense, after PSG have made the trip to Anfield in the Champions League.
There should be no concern whatsoever about the current situation, though, with Klopp known to bide his time with new signings, only playing them when they are fully up to speed.
That was the case with Andy Robertson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain last season, who made forgettable starts but grew to become key men during Liverpool’s march to the Champions League final.
Fabinho is set to start with a rare right-back berth for Brazil on Saturday when Tite’s side face the USA at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium—incidentally where the Reds played Man City in pre-season.
Interestingly, the £39 million summer signing also discussed his move back to his former role, which could provide Klopp with further options:
“We talked a little and [Tite] said he knew about my change of position, but he wanted to count on me in the squad as a right-back.
“He said he knows I could help in midfield as well, but his preference was out wide.
“He asked if I felt comfortable if it would disturb me. I said no, being in the national team is always good.
“This is a position I have always played, even at Monaco. The coach knew he could count on me there in any situation.”
Brazil duty will be a great chance for him to get some minutes under his belt, as he looks to return to Liverpool next week and carry on his development.
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