How accurate is the list/update actually? Seem interesting that Wisdom has number and Connor Coady who was brought with Suso to train with the 1st team couple of wks ago doesn't .
Suso on Xavi, Roy and the Kop
30th Nov 2010 - Latest News
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In his first full interview since arriving at Liverpool from Cadiz CF in the summer, Jesús Fernández Sáez, aka Suso, talks Xavi, Real Madrid and why he has been blown away by Anfield's famous atmosphere.
The diminutive Spaniard has already shown glimpses of his precocious talent for John McMahon's reserve team this season and as we caught up with him at the club's youth-base in Kirkby, he offered an interesting insight into his first year in England.
Hello Suso. For many fans you are a bright prospect, but one that they know very little about. Can you fill us in with a bit about your background?
Yes, I grew up in Cadiz with my parents and my sister, who is now 12-years-old. I was 10 when I joined Cadiz and I spent five good years there before signing for Liverpool.
What are your fondest memories from your time with Cadiz?
I played a lot of games there. In my opinion the league in Spain is easier than here. But I remember one game in particular against Seville U16s. We won 2-1 and I scored both goals. It was an amazing match.
Are there any coaches or players at Cadiz that you feel have played a significant role in your development?
Some coaches, particularly my coach at U14 level, helped me a lot. But the person who has helped me the most has been my father. He wasn't a footballer but he was my coach from the age of five. I always played football with him and owe him alot.
Which players did you look up to while you were growing up in Spain?
I have always admired Xavi as a midfielder. He has been a great player for both Barca and Spain.
Your full name is Jesús Fernández Sáez - so what's the reason behind 'Suso'?
People called my father Suso too. It's a nickname. I remember when I was maybe five or six years-old one of my friends on the football team started to call me 'Suso'. I didn't know why. But when other people heard him say it they all started to use it. It has stuck ever since.
Real Madrid and Barcelona were rumoured to be interested in you - why join Liverpool?
I have always liked the Barclays Premier League more than La Liga and I decided that it would be better for me to come here - even with the English weather! I remember watching the final of the Champions League in 2005 when Liverpool beat AC Milan. It was an amazing final and after that I really liked the idea of playing for this team.
Well, you've just signed your first professional contract with the Reds - how do you feel about it?
I feel very happy. I want to be here a lot of years. I want to go on and play for Liverpool's first team, playing in every game. But if I want to have that I have to work harder and do my very best every day, in every training session.
Players such as Cesc Fabregas arrived in the Barclays Premier League at a very young age and got their chance. Is that what you are hoping to do?
Yes, hopefully that will happen for me too. I have to work hard every day and play well in the reserves. If I do that the chance might come.
Which team did you support when you were growing up?
It was Real Madrid. I still look out for their results now. If there was one stadium I would love to play in other than Anfield, it would be the Bernabeu. The first shirt I had as a kid was also a Madrid one.
You actually got the chance to play at Anfield recently, when you made a brief appearance at Jamie Carragher's testimonial. What was that like for you?
It was amazing. I remember I was in the hotel and one of the people from Melwood called me to say I would be taking part in the game that day. I didn't really believe them at first. Then they told me I had to be at the ground at a certain time. I was a bit stunned to be honest. When I was on the pitch for the warm up it was amazing to look around and see so many fans. I managed to get on and play 10 minutes or so and it was great. Although I have to say I was tired after just two minutes out there! You can feel the energy of all the people in the crowd. It is a very special sensation playing there.
You could get another chance to play on the sacred turf if Liverpool progress in the FA Youth Cup. You are still eligible to play in it, has Rodolfo Borrell or John McMahon spoken to you about it?
No, nobody has spoken to me about that. I know you get to play in all the big stadiums but I want to focus on playing in the reserves. I don't know anything about the Youth Cup yet. Maybe I will play but I have not heard.
You also got to mix with a number of Liverpool greats at Carra's testimonial - who do you admire in particular?
I like Gerrard. He is a great player.
Are you friendly with any of the club's other Spanish players, such as Dani Pacheco?
I speak with all the players and get on with everyone. I like Pacheco as a person and he is also a very good player.
Everybody knows about your ability in the attacking third, but what part of your game do you think you need to improve?
I need to improve my intensity and my defending. In the last two reserve games I've played in central midfield to help me do that. I know that I have to get better in that area.
And what about the English language and Scouse? Are you improving all the time?
Yes, I have two lessons per week. I speak to the other players too and that helps me to improve. I've picked up one or two Scouse word so far.
Do you understand the Scouse players?
(Laughs). Yes of course.
Roy Hodgson has stated he has been impressed by some of your performances for the reserves and you got to work with him during the pre-season friendly at Borussia Moenchengladbach. What was that experience like. You were just 16 at the time...
It was incredible. I remember being in the changing room sitting next to Raheem Sterling and looking around and seeing players like Steven Gerrard, Joe Cole and Glen Johnson. I couldn't believe it. I think Roy Hodgson is a very good coach and a good person too. When I did something wrong in training he spoke to me and told me what to do right. That should help me to improve.
What do you think are the main differences between English and Spanish football? Do you miss home?
In Spain the players are more technical. Players here are technical too, but also more physical. The game here requires you to run a lot more. For that reason it is more difficult. As for Spain, the main thing I miss is the food. When my family come to visit me in Aigburth, my mum cooks and it is brilliant. Maybe the weather is something I miss too - and my friends. But it's okay because I like life here and enjoy training every day. I go walking in Sefton Park, it's very nice.
What has been the highlight of your time at Liverpool so far?
I scored a good goal against Newcastle that people have been pleased with...(pauses) But it might be our friendly games in Ireland. I scored and played well. I enjoyed the games we played over there.
Watch Suso's stunning strike against Newcastle>>
And just finally... when you aren't playing and training with the reserves what do you like to do away from the football pitch?
I like spending time with my family. I also like going to the cinema too, I love it. One of the best films I've seen over the past year or so is Seven Pounds, with Will Smith in it. It's worth seeing.
Author: Paul Hassall