Liverpool’s summer acquisition Victor Munoz has acknowledged he requires a period of adjustment to reach his best form under manager Andoni Iraola.
Munoz, who joined from Osasuna for £34.5million, is expected to begin the campaign on the substitutes’ bench when the Reds travel to face Newcastle United in their Premier League opener on Sunday afternoon.
The 23-year-old wide player has not begun a competitive match since the conclusion of the previous season, having sustained an injury at the World Cup that restricted his involvement with tournament victors Spain. He subsequently featured as a replacement during Liverpool’s final two friendly matches at Anfield.
However, Munoz did catch the eye during a 70-minute internal fixture against Como held behind closed doors at the AXA Training Centre the previous Sunday.
Munoz acknowledges he still lacks full match fitness and understands an adaptation phase is necessary at Liverpool.
He expressed enthusiasm about commencing league football but outlined initial targets as acclimatising to the tempo and intensity of the English game, developing as a player, and seeking daily improvement during training sessions and matches.
He noted his recent lack of playing time means this represents a settling-in period, expecting progress as more training sessions and game appearances accumulate alongside his new teammates.
Since commencing training with his new club earlier this month, Munoz has held discussions with fellow countryman Iraola regarding his role within the manager’s plans.
The forward explained that Iraola can clarify tactical requirements, outline specific game situations, and demonstrate the runs and movements he expects from players working together as a unit.
He stated he recognises the manager’s preference for relentless high pressing and creating space in behind opposition backlines, expressing confidence this approach will complement his style of play. Recent training sessions have focused heavily on implementing these principles.
Reflecting on a remarkable 12 months, having only moved to Osasuna from Real Madrid the previous summer, Munoz told liverpoolfc.com that events had moved rapidly, though he attempts to handle such developments composedly. He described the year as tremendous, with everything progressing positively. He expressed satisfaction with his performances in Spain before earning a World Cup opportunity with his national team, calling it a dream fulfilled. Now signing for Liverpool, he hopes the year will conclude on an equally high note.