Gonzalez ready for Reds test
Chilean winger Mark Gonzalez accepts he will not find it easy to command a place in the Liverpool team when he joins the club next season.
Gonzalez was announced as a signing by Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez in the summer but the move had to be delayed because of problems over his work permit.
But Gonzalez will complete his switch to Anfield in the summer and is looking forward to joining the club which he will visit at the end of the month.
“It won’t be easy to win a place in the line-up and, if I achieve that, it won’t be easy to maintain myself there, because Liverpool is such a competitive club that, if I relax, there are two or three players who want my place,” said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez is recovering from a knee ligament injury and the former Albacete player is currently in training with Chilean side Universidad Catolica.
The Chile international told El Mercurio newspaper he had spoken to former Newcastle player Clarence Acuna about playing in England.
“I’ve been talking a lot with him and he told me what he liked while playing for Newcastle United,” said Gonzalez.
“He warned it is another football, totally different to the Spanish in rhythm, but I would love it and would enjoy it really much because it matches with my football qualities.”
Gonzalez also revealed he had been in regular contact with Benitez.
“He is always calling me. The last time we talked was 10 days ago. He asked me how I was feeling, if I was better from my injury. He is worried about my health,” he said.
The 21-year-old added: “I don’t have any problems to kick the ball as strong as always, although I know I have lack of movement yet. I’m 80 or 90% fit.
“They have to inform the exact date to me but I’m flying to England at the end of the month.”
Former West Ham defender Javier Margas revealed Gonzalez would find it hard in England but hoped he would do well.
“I want Gonzalez to succeed extraordinarily in England, but it would be difficult for him,” he said.
“He will have to be patient because the Premier League demands a lot physically and Mark is coming back from a serious injury.”
