DEGEN SPEAKS EXCLUSIVELY

New signing Philipp Degen spoke exclusively to Liverpoolfc.tv this morning ahead of his first training session with the club.

The Swiss international explained what he could offer the Reds in a renewed assault on the Premier League title – but claimed his first challenge would be to nail down a regular first-team slot. How does it feel to be an LFC player? I feel very good. It's a great club with great fans and I am happy to be here. I know the club has a strong tradition and a rich history. I hope to play a big role in the future. How much are you looking forward to the challenge of playing in England? Well, you probably know that I played in Germany with Borussia Dortmund - that was a strong league too. But now I'm looking forward to the challenge of England and the Premier League, which is probably the strongest league in the world right now. You've been to Anfield before, haven't you? I have been to Anfield before, with Basel; although I did not play on that occasion. But it was a great experience and to see the fans singing the famous song 'You'll Never Walk Alone' was something special. What are your main attributes as a player? I am a pacey player who likes to get forward. I have a good attacking mentality and like to get up and down the flank. I also have good technique. How important was Rafa in you joining the club? He was very important. He is the manager here and one of the finest coaches in the world. He has a fantastic record with both LFC and Valencia. I'm looking forward to working with him. You will face stiff competition from Steve Finnan and Alvaro Arbeloa in the right-back berth... Yes, I know. They are very good players and it will be difficult but I am ready for the challenge and look forward to breaking into the first team soon. Can we challenge for the league? I am sure we can challenge. We have a very strong team with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres. But there are some strong opponents in Man Utd and Chelsea, so we will have to be very consistent. It's a long season and anything can happen but we will go into the first game of the campaign hoping to push them all the way. Finally, a message for the fans? I will do all I can for the side and for the fans. I want the club to succeed and I will always do my best to ensure Liverpool are winning matches. by Paul Hassall 04 July 2008

from liverpoolfc.tv