New Liverpool signing Jeremy Jacquet has spoken about his ambitions at Anfield and what he can bring to Andoni Iraola's squad
New Liverpool signing Jeremy Jacquet
New Liverpool signing Jeremy Jacquet(Image: Nikki Dyer/Liverpool FC)
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Jeremy Jacquet needed only a quick look around the AXA Training Centre for his ambition to be piqued. As he was introduced to his new home, the defender caught sight of the trophy wall inside the facility that outlined why Liverpool are the most decorated club in English football history.
"I saw all the cups and trophies, just how many there are, and I thought 'wow, I really want to be part of the history of this club'," said Jaquet, who officially began his Liverpool career on Wednesday.
"I was just thinking that I want to bring back many more of them."
For Jacquet, the moment has, in relative terms, been a long time coming with his summer move to Liverpool having been confirmed back in January after a £60million deal was brokered with Rennes to snatch the 20-year-old centre-back from under the noses of Chelsea.
A shoulder injury sustained just days after the announcement that ultimately required surgery prematurely ended last season for Jacquet. But his rehabilitation at least gave time to immerse himself in Liverpool's past and present.
"I watched a lot of videos, especially the recent ones, to try and see stuff like what goes on during training and to look back at the club's history," he said. "Even if I don't know everything yet, I'm going to get up to speed soon.
"It's a legendary club and the football philosophy appealed to me directly, and with my family I believe we made the right choice and we feel really happy here.
"They are really, really proud of me. I think they've got a few stars in their eyes, a bit like I have, and that they are all excited and can't wait to have it all started and that I begin to get some training sessions and a run of games under my belt."
Jacquet is convinced he will be able to take full part in pre-season with Liverpool returning to Kirkby in less than a fortnight before jetting out to begin their three-game US tour the following week.
"My shoulder is much better now, and as part of my rehab, I'm now back out on the grass on my own," he said. "The surgeon has given me the go-ahead to start training with the group again, but unfortunately it was preferred to just hold off on that.
"And so now, this summer, I'm going to do everything I can to come back here 100% fit. I will be 100% fit in time for next season, for sure."
The untimely injury robbed Liverpool supporters the opportunity to watch the youngster in preparation for his arrival. Jacquet, though, has told fans what they can expect.
"I'm quite an athletic player, and they say I'm pretty quick despite being so tall," he said. "I think I'm decent playing out from the back, and I am quite calm and composed on the pitch."
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Jacquet has previously captained both the France U19 and U20 teams, and added: "I think I can bring that kind of leadership gradually. It's something that will happen naturally by itself.
"I am pretty talkative on the pitch, even if I am quite reserved off it. On the field that will evolve naturally."
Jacquet will form part of a four-strong centre-back pool for new head coach Andoni Iraola along with club captain Virgil van Dijk, the long-serving Joe Gomez and 19-year-old Giovanni Leoni, who is expected to have recovered from the season-ending serious knee injury he suffered last September.
And of working alongside Van Dijk, Jacquet said: “Of course, I am very excited to be next to a great player like him. I think he is up there with the best centre-backs in the world currently, so I can only learn from him.
“I don’t like to use the word ‘idol’, not even for the best players I admire, but naturally he’s a player I look up to.
“For me, he is one of the best central defenders, and if I want to reach the very top, I’ve got to absorb as much as I can from him, obviously.”
For now, though, Jacquet is focused on helping Liverpool ensure they improve on the huge disappointment of last season that ended with Arne Slot, the man who helped persuade Jacquet to come to Anfield, being sacked.
"I have been following the Liverpool season almost since the start of (last) season," said the Frenchman. "But I know that things are going to go better next season, without a shadow of a doubt."