"You’ll never walk alone!" Everyone who hears the club anthem ring out accompanied by thousands of voices at Liverpool’s Anfield Road stadium before home games cannot help but get goosebumps, but it could soon become a familiar feeling for Emre Can, who has been named in coach Horst Hrubesch’s U-21 squad for both remaining qualifying group matches for the 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship against Ireland in Halle on Friday (live on Eurosport from 18:00 CET) and against Romania in Magdeburg on Tuesday (live on Eurosport from 18:00 CET).
The 20-year-old German Turk moved from Bayer Leverkusen, where he had been on loan from Bayern Munich, to join the Reds in England. Liverpool are expecting much of the imposing strategist, who made a name for himself as Germany’s captain at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2011 in Mexico by leading former coach Steffen Freund’s team to a third-place finish. Nevertheless, the youngster has so far made only two substitute appearances under Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers since arriving at the club.
Can: "I’m still not 100 per cent"
Despite this, Can remains confident of establishing himself at Liverpool in the near future. “I had a calf problem at the start of the season, so I’m still not 100 per cent,” he explained. “But now I’m fully fit again and I’m sure I’ll get some more chances soon.” The 20-year-old has quickly adapted to his new surroundings since his transfer. “It’s a completely different culture, a new language and a new city,” he said. “For me, Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world and I feel very at home here. Our captain and leader Steven Gerrard is a real figurehead at the club. There’s no disputing his sporting prowess, but he’s also a role model who makes sure each and every player feels included.”
Can quickly became aware of the footballing differences between the Bundesliga and Premier League. “The playing tempo is much higher here. You don’t have time to stay on the ball for long. Even in training we go through every drill at top speed. Our coaches also want us to play good football. I’m happy with all of this; it suits me.”
Can in the U-21s: "I see myself as a leader"
Right now, the youngster’s primary focus is on European qualification with Germany’s U-21 side, and anticipation has been building at the team’s Leipzig base in recent days. “I was really looking forward to meeting up with my friends and team-mates here, and I can hardly wait for the matches,” he said. “The coaches are expecting a lot from me, and I already see myself as a leader here too. I want to do my bit to help us succeed.”
Can has also taken it upon himself to integrate the new players who have not previously played for the U-21 side. “Of course, we’re looking after all the new boys,” he confirmed. “We all want to win both matches and reach the play-offs.”
Can in Britain: "It’s a completely different culture"
Just like at Liverpool, Emre Can will know that he does not have to walk alone with the U-21s, but can instead work confidently with his team-mates to tackle the challenges that await them.
