Exciting Liverpool youngster Sheyi Ojo has revealed how he turned down the offer of a holiday in order to force his way into Jurgen Klopp's plans for this season.
The 19-year-old winger has had a busy summer having been part of the England squad at the Under-19 European Championship in Germany. The young Lions bowed out last week after a 2-1 defeat to Italy in the semi-final but while some of his team-mates headed straight for a sun-lounger, Ojo flew to California to link up with the Reds at their Palo Alto training base.
Klopp gave him the option of an extended break but Ojo was adamant that he would get straight back down to work. “The manager asked me if I wanted some time off after the Euros but I said I wanted to come straight here,” Ojo told the ECHO. “I was keen to be out here. I wanted to be part of this. I'm not too fussed about a holiday. “It's been busy. After the end of last season I was working hard in the lead up to the Euros with the England training camp. It all paid off. The Euros were a great experience and I'm feeling fit now.
“Being out here is definitely best for my development. It's been a good experience to be back with the team. Now I just want to kick on.”
Ojo is on a mission to build on the achievements of last season. Recalled by Klopp from a loan spell at Wolves in January, he was landed a senior debut in the FA Cup tie at Exeter City.
Ojo marked his Anfield bow with a stunning finish in the replay win over the Grecians and went on to make 11 first-team appearances. Blessed with pace and power, he proved a big hit with the Kop.
Ojo showed flashes of his ability after coming off the bench in the opening tour game against Chelsea and is set to feature again in Saturday night's clash with AC Milan in Santa Clara. “I'm pleased with how last season went but I know I still need to improve,” he said. “The highlight was probably my first Premier League start (against Stoke City). “It could have gone better but I learned a lot from that experience. I think that helped me to push on.”
Ojo, who joined the Reds' Academy from MK Dons in 2011, grew up idolising Ronaldinho. He tries to adopt the same relaxed approach as the Brazilian great. “He used to always play with a smile on his face. He was always so composed on the ball,” Ojo said. “Some of the skills and the way he played, he was so graceful. I really enjoyed watching him play.
“I always want to get on the ball as much as I can. I enjoy playing football. Whatever stadium we're in, no matter how many fans are there, that doesn't change. I put pressure on myself but I believe in myself. I am always harsh on myself. Last season I was playing a bit within myself at times. Hopefully this season I can really show what I am capable of.”
Ojo was part of Brendan Rodgers' squad for the tour of the Far East and Australia a year ago. Back then he was a rookie being taken along for the ride, 12 months on he has proved he belongs at Liverpool. Competition for places has gone up a notch following the summer signings of Sadio Mane and Gini Wijnaldum but he's up for the challenge ahead.
“It does feel different being on this tour,” Ojo added. “I am just eager to get on the pitch and try to impress the manager and everyone connected with Liverpool. I enjoyed getting on against Chelsea and now I'm looking forward to the Milan game.
“There are a lot of great players in this squad. It shows the direction the club is moving in and I am happy to be a part of it.
"I am just going to keep my head down and keep working hard. "I want to get as many minutes as I can in the friendlies to try to show that I should be in and around the squad when the Premier League starts. "I want to try to make an impact in every game. I need to make sure that if I get opportunities, I take them."
The 19-year-old winger has had a busy summer having been part of the England squad at the Under-19 European Championship in Germany. The young Lions bowed out last week after a 2-1 defeat to Italy in the semi-final but while some of his team-mates headed straight for a sun-lounger, Ojo flew to California to link up with the Reds at their Palo Alto training base.
Klopp gave him the option of an extended break but Ojo was adamant that he would get straight back down to work. “The manager asked me if I wanted some time off after the Euros but I said I wanted to come straight here,” Ojo told the ECHO. “I was keen to be out here. I wanted to be part of this. I'm not too fussed about a holiday. “It's been busy. After the end of last season I was working hard in the lead up to the Euros with the England training camp. It all paid off. The Euros were a great experience and I'm feeling fit now.
“Being out here is definitely best for my development. It's been a good experience to be back with the team. Now I just want to kick on.”
Ojo is on a mission to build on the achievements of last season. Recalled by Klopp from a loan spell at Wolves in January, he was landed a senior debut in the FA Cup tie at Exeter City.
Ojo marked his Anfield bow with a stunning finish in the replay win over the Grecians and went on to make 11 first-team appearances. Blessed with pace and power, he proved a big hit with the Kop.
Ojo showed flashes of his ability after coming off the bench in the opening tour game against Chelsea and is set to feature again in Saturday night's clash with AC Milan in Santa Clara. “I'm pleased with how last season went but I know I still need to improve,” he said. “The highlight was probably my first Premier League start (against Stoke City). “It could have gone better but I learned a lot from that experience. I think that helped me to push on.”
Ojo, who joined the Reds' Academy from MK Dons in 2011, grew up idolising Ronaldinho. He tries to adopt the same relaxed approach as the Brazilian great. “He used to always play with a smile on his face. He was always so composed on the ball,” Ojo said. “Some of the skills and the way he played, he was so graceful. I really enjoyed watching him play.
“I always want to get on the ball as much as I can. I enjoy playing football. Whatever stadium we're in, no matter how many fans are there, that doesn't change. I put pressure on myself but I believe in myself. I am always harsh on myself. Last season I was playing a bit within myself at times. Hopefully this season I can really show what I am capable of.”
Ojo was part of Brendan Rodgers' squad for the tour of the Far East and Australia a year ago. Back then he was a rookie being taken along for the ride, 12 months on he has proved he belongs at Liverpool. Competition for places has gone up a notch following the summer signings of Sadio Mane and Gini Wijnaldum but he's up for the challenge ahead.
“It does feel different being on this tour,” Ojo added. “I am just eager to get on the pitch and try to impress the manager and everyone connected with Liverpool. I enjoyed getting on against Chelsea and now I'm looking forward to the Milan game.
“There are a lot of great players in this squad. It shows the direction the club is moving in and I am happy to be a part of it.
"I am just going to keep my head down and keep working hard. "I want to get as many minutes as I can in the friendlies to try to show that I should be in and around the squad when the Premier League starts. "I want to try to make an impact in every game. I need to make sure that if I get opportunities, I take them."
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