Teixeira: I'll get my Liverpool FC chance
Portuguese youngster says Brendan Rodgers has told him he will get opportunities at Anfield
Joao Teixeira of Liverpool scores during the Everton v Liverpool Barclays U21 Premier League game at the Merseyrail Community Stadium on August 19, 2015 in Southport, England. (Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Joao Carlos Teixeira has revealed how a heart to heart with Brendan Rodgers reassured him that he will get opportunities at Liverpool this season.
Many of the Reds’ most gifted youngsters went out on loan over the summer but the Portuguese attacking midfielder stayed put after discussions with the manager.
“I had a chat with Brendan during the summer and in that conversation he told me that I could have my chances here,” Teixeira said.
“What I am trying to do is make sure that I am on top of my game.
“There are so many games to play over the course of the season in the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and Capital One Cup, so I’m hopeful that I will get some chances and the opportunity to play minutes in some of these games.”
The 22-year-old, who cost the Reds £800,000 from Sporting Lisbon in 2012, made the leap from the Kirby Academy to Melwood prior to Rodgers handing him a first-team debut against Fulham in February 2014.
Teixeira spent last season on loan at Brighton where he scored six goals in 35 appearances in all competitions.
“It was very good for me because it gave me the chance to play regular football in the Championship,” he said.
“I played 32 league games, I scored goals and I made assists, so it gave me an opportunity to show what I can do on the pitch and it helped me to improve.
It was good for me to learn under Sami Hyypia and then Chris Hughton.
It was very good because I was named as the Young Player of the Year at Brighton which was a very nice way to finish off my time there. Then when I came back I received Liverpool’s Academy Player of the Year award too so it was a good season for me. It’s always pleasing to have people recognise what you have done.”
His progress was halted back in April when he suffered a broken leg after a challenge from Huddersfield’s Nahki Wells.
He returned to Merseyside and worked tirelessly over the summer to get back fit prior to the pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia.
“I got very scared at the beginning but I was fortunate that I had the right treatment from everyone here at Liverpool,” he said,
“The doctor and physios helped me a lot and that meant I was able to make a quick recovery. I put in a lot of work over the summer because my aim was to get back quick and well from the injury.
“I missed last pre-season because I was injured so I was determined not to miss this one too. It was a chance to show to Brendan that I can play here. The tour was a great experience. It was very good starting the first game in Thailand. I gave two assists and I was very happy about that.”
Teixeira wasn’t named in Liverpool’s Europa League squad so is ineligible for tonight’s group game with FC Sion at Anfield.
However, he has been training with the first team at Melwood and showcased his qualities for Liverpool Under-21s in their win over St Helens on Monday night.
Now he’s dreaming of proving to Rodgers he merits a home debut over the coming weeks and months.
“I have been on the bench at Anfield before, but I have never played for the first team there,” he said.
“Anfield is a special stadium with special fans and the atmosphere you feel there is different to any other stadium in the world so I certainly have hopes of playing at Anfield this year.
“I want to play as many games as I can for Liverpool, be part of the team and try to help them to win as many games as possible.
"Above all else I want to do my best and show that I have the quality to be a Liverpool player.”
