Jose Mourinho’s sacking at Chelsea is the reason Marko Grujic never signed for Chelsea and instead moved to Liverpool for £5.1 million.
Liverpool made the signing in the winter transfer window before loaning the Serbian back to Red Star Belgrade so the youngster could fulfill his dream of winning the league with his hometown club.
Chelsea was apparently in the clear to sign Grujic before Mourinho was sacked last season (hehe) and the dismissal of the Portuguese coach allowed Liverpool to sign the promising midfielder without challenge.
“Grujic was recommended to Chelsea by their scouting department last year only for the proposed deal to go awry as a result of Jose Mourinho’s dismissal,” report JOE.co.uk.
“Liverpool were left in pole position to complete the signing.”
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While Grujic hasn’t seen much football this season, it’s easy to forget that he is 20 years old given how tall he is and how comfortable he is on the ball. That being said, the Serb is very much a grounded player and reads a lot into what his coaches have to say.
Speaking to Zurnal, via Empire of the Kop, Grujic has addressed his flaws as a player.
“Coach Jurgen Klopp has a clear plan for me, I’m constantly talking with him and his assistant Zeljko Buvac,” he said.
“I am aware that I need to improve my game on the defensive side.
“Shortcomings in this part of my game originated from Red Star since last summer I played in the position behind the striker.”
Liverpool has a lot of midfielders and Grujic faces an uphill battle to become a starter this season, but at 20 years old, he has many years of development before he is the finished article. This is something many fans need to consider and it’s something that Grujic hasn’t forgotten.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Grujic said, “For the first season I just want to learn from these guys. I have the big pleasure of playing with some of the best footballers in the world.
“I want to get some minutes and games to try and improve myself for the future.
“I think next season will be the one where I show what I can do.”
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