and a thomas ince interview:
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163145090205-0945.htmHE ACADEMY INTERVIEW: THOMAS INCE
Paul Hassall 05 February 2009
In the first of our new series of interviews with the Academy Player of the Month, we spoke to under-18 forward Thomas Ince about life at the club's youth base in Kirkby.
Hello Tom, you've just been named under-18 player of the month - how does that make you feel?
It's great. It's a nice feeling to know that the coaches think you are playing well. I've just got to keep going now, keep on improving, and hopefully there will be a few more player of the month awards in the future.
What's been the highlight for you so far this season?
I think it would have to be the FA Youth Cup clash with Leeds at Elland Road. It was my debut in the competition and I managed to cap it with a goal in our 2-1 win. It was a great experience.
Tonight we face Chelsea in an FA Youth Cup tie at Anfield. How much are you looking forward to it?
I can't wait. It's one of those games that sees one of the best teams in the North-west take on a top southern side like Chelsea. I actually watched them play Man United at Old Trafford earlier in the competition and they are a very good attacking side. I'm expecting an exciting game.
It would be nice to follow up the first-team's 2-0 success over the Blues with another win, wouldn't it?
Yes, definitely. I think the team is good enough to get the result we want. In terms of our attack we are very dangerous and can score goals. Hopefully it will all come together and we can make it into the next round.
What will it mean for you to play at Anfield?
It's going to be unbelievable. To think I could be playing on the same surface that Torres, Alonso and Gerrard perform on regularly is just fantastic. I'm sure there will be a decent crowd there and it's a great opportunity to play on a Premier League ground.
When did you first arrive at the club's Academy?
It was when I was about 11 or 12. I was at Tranmere at the time. Liverpool came in for me at the end of the under-12 season and I've been here five or six years now. I only live 25 minutes away from the city and with it being the biggest club in the area I thought it was the right place for me to come to.
How are you finding life with the under-18s?
Well this is my first year at this level. I'm still developing physically and that's my biggest challenge at the moment. But I think I am starting to adjust to the physical game at under-18 level and I'm progressing quite well. I just hope I can prove to be a valid member of the squad.
You've been up to Melwood with the under-18s to play practice matches. How have you enjoyed that?
It's been brilliant. When you play against the likes of Jay Spearing and Stephen Darby - players who have been here and gone up to Melwood - you realise how much you need to improve to get to that next stage. It's exciting because you see Rafa and Sammy Lee on the sidelines and it gives you extra motivation to show them what you can do. After the game against Leeds in the Youth Cup a few of the lads said well done about my goal. That was a nice touch because it shows they are watching.
How would you assess the under-18s' season so far - both as a team and for you personally?
I think we started quite well. We've picked up points home and away. We've also got through two rounds in the Youth Cup and face a tough clash with Chelsea tonight. We are an attacking side and I think we will continue to play the right way and get amongst the goals in the remainder of the season. From my own point of view, I started off a bit nervous. I needed to get used to the new level and I'm also one of the youngest in the team - but I've started to improve over the past few months.
If you do make it as a professional, how do you expect to cope with the pressure that comes with it?
I think I'd be okay. Obviously the fans can get on the players' backs if things aren't going to plan, but I think if you are a top player you can shrug it off and just concentrate on what you are doing.
For any fans who aren't yet aware of you, could you tell us what type of player you are?
My natural position is on the left wing. That's the position I feel that I can cause most problems when I'm on form. I like to beat players, get into one-on-one situations and put crosses into the box. I also like to chip in with goals if possible.
As part of the Academy programme you are also expected to continue some form of education. How important is that to you?
It's very important. The coaches and Tim Devine, especially, encourage us to work hard at our studies so that if it doesn't work out we have something to fall back on.
Do you have a specific back-up plan if things don't work out in the world of football?
A lot of lads do college work here at the Academy. I'm a bit different because my school is only about two minutes away from my house, so on Wednesday and Friday afternoons I go there and do an A-level Sociology class. I'll then do a test at the end of the year like other students and it's great because it offers me a plan B.
How does education fit in with your football?
Well the school understand that football is important to me and have been very supportive. They help me in every way possible.
Can you talk us through a typical day at the Academy?
I'm here from about 9am for breakfast. We'll then chill for a bit and go out for training with Piet Hamberg at about 10.30am. If it's a full day, we will then have lunch and further training in the afternoon or a weights session. On other days we do half a day of training and half a day of education.
You still live with your parents, don't you? How important have they been in your development?
Well obviously, my Dad has been there and knows what it takes to make it. After the game on a Saturday we'll go home and watch it back on LFC TV and he'll offer me a few pointers too. My Mum doesn't have as much to offer as my Dad in terms of knowledge of the game, but she always adds a few words too and it's nice to have both parents right behind you and supporting you.
Being a teenager committed to making a future in the game, do you find it hard watching your friends going out and do the usual things that youngsters do?
I think it is more difficult now because when you are younger it maybe doesn't have as much bearing on things, but now that I am playing at under-18 level it could be a pivotal moment in my career. I realise that when my mates go out on a Friday I can't because of the game on Saturday. But I'm happy with that because this is what I live for and this is what I want to do in a few years time. When it comes to the sacrifices you have to make, I think I can handle it well.
When the fixtures come out at the start of the season what is the game you look for first?
Most people would say Everton because it's a derby match. But for me I'd have to say Man United or Man City. They have the best players in the North West so it's nice to judge yourselves and go up against them.
Do you find it easy to stay motivated?
Definitely. Playing football is one of the best jobs in the world. If you can't motivate yourself for that, then I don't know what you are going to do!
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Hopefully in the Liverpool first-team. But I can't look too far ahead. I have to keep doing what I am doing in the Youth team and try to make the next step up to reserve team level.
And finally, did any player inspire you when you were growing up?
I'd have to say Ryan Giggs. He actually used to live with us when I was four or five when my Dad was at Man United and he's just brilliant. What he's achieved there is great. He's won 10 Premier League titles and you can't get much better than that. I remember when he scored that goal against Arsenal when he beat four or five players and that's just inspirational for a player like myself.
