Konchesky Sees Liverpool Move As 'Chance At Highest Level'

[White Noise]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/sep/05/paul-konchesky-liverpool-jamie-carragher


Paul Konchesky sees Liverpool move as 'chance at highest level'


• Former Fulham defender wants 'new lease of life'


• Liverpool can succeed in Europa League, he says


Press Association

guardian.co.uk, Sunday 5 September 2010 14.02 BST Article history


Paul Konchesky played his first game in a Liverpool shirt in Jamie Carragher's testimonial, against an Everton XI. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA

Paul Konchesky has said that signing for Liverpool represents his chance to play at the highest level. The 29-year-old left-back was signed from Fulham on Tuesday but he has had little time to get to know his new team-mates as most have been away on international duty.

Konchesky played the second half of Jamie Carragher's testimonial yesterday, in which Liverpool beat an Everton XI 4-1. He said that things would be a lot tougher when he makes his full debut, possibly next weekend at Birmingham.

"I'm 29 and this is my last chance to play at the highest level. That is what Liverpool are and I am really looking forward to it," said Konchesky, who has been reunited with the former Fulham manager Roy Hodgson. "It [Hodgson] was a big factor but Liverpool being a big club was a massive factor.

"I'm looking forward to getting a new lease of life and playing at a very high standard. I can't wait to pull on a Liverpool shirt in the Premier League; it is a massive club and it is a big step for me. I just want to give it my all and go from there.

"I've had three or four days' training and although there have not been a lot of players there it has been a good week, and I am hopefully going to enjoy it soon. It was good to be involved in Jamie's testimonial and put a Liverpool shirt on.

"You look at the history they have got behind them – it is unbelievable and there are some great players here. If we can bring that back to the side this year in something like the Europa League then this team can go a long way.

"The testimonial was a bit slower than the Premier League, but it was good for Jamie. I'm glad all the players came back for him; they obviously respect him a lot and he is well respected within the team. He looks fit and I think he has a few more years left in him – and hopefully it will be at Liverpool."

Carragher, who hopes to raise £1m – for his 23 Foundation, which benefits local groups and charities – from the game and a gala dinner that was staged last night, is confident he will sign a new contract in the coming weeks.

"I don't think it has ever been in doubt," said the 32-year-old defender. "The club has always been the most important thing and they will decide if they think I am good enough or not.

"I'm sure with the transfer window now closed maybe there is something we can sort out – I think it will take two minutes. I've always wanted to play for Liverpool for my whole career and I'm sure that will be the case."

[RidgeRider]

:012:

[SmithyFFC]

 

[Oakeshott]

In fairness, he has gone to a genuinely bigger club, unlike Jimmy Bullard for all his brown-nosing of Hull's aspirations.

[Motown]

In fairness, he has gone to a genuinely bigger club, unlike Jimmy Bullard for all his brown-nosing of Hull's aspirations.

Agreed. Of course Plod is a step-up in terms of profile and given he ain't getting any younger, a good move for Konch and a more than decent deal for us in return. He didn't ask for a transfer remember, it was all part of Woy's 'gentlemen's' agreement not to raid his old club....... :dft003:

Konch was a more than decent employee of FFC and I wish him well.

[FatFreddysCat]

In fairness, he has gone to a genuinely bigger club, unlike Jimmy Bullard for all his brown-nosing of Hull's aspirations.

Agreed. Of course Plod is a step-up in terms of profile and given he ain't getting any younger, a good move for Konch and a more than decent deal for us in return. He didn't ask for a transfer remember, it was all part of Woy's 'gentlemen's' agreement not to raid his old club....... :dft003:

Konch was a more than decent employee of FFC and I wish him well.

Well said you old bloater  :clap_hands:

[Andy Crysell]

Did he really need to say he's going to 'a bigger club'?

We all know they are.  I just feel slightly peed off that he felt the need to point out the obvious.

Otherwise, yeah, good luck to him. Good business for the club (plus I've always thought him as a bit of a defensive liability - though excellent going forward).

[Vinnieffc]

In fairness, he has gone to a genuinely bigger club, unlike Jimmy Bullard for all his brown-nosing of Hull's aspirations.

Agreed. Of course Plod is a step-up in terms of profile and given he ain't getting any younger, a good move for Konch and a more than decent deal for us in return. He didn't ask for a transfer remember, it was all part of Woy's 'gentlemen's' agreement not to raid his old club....... :dft003:

Konch was a more than decent employee of FFC and I wish him well.

Wholly agree with these comments. Konch did a great job for us, didn't ask for a transfer, and deserves a chance at what IS a bigger club at this stage of his career. Good luck Konch (except in the games against us !!)

[Burt]

In fairness, he has gone to a genuinely bigger club, unlike Jimmy Bullard for all his brown-nosing of Hull's aspirations.

Agreed. Of course Plod is a step-up in terms of profile and given he ain't getting any younger, a good move for Konch and a more than decent deal for us in return. He didn't ask for a transfer remember, it was all part of Woy's 'gentlemen's' agreement not to raid his old club....... :dft003:

Konch was a more than decent employee of FFC and I wish him well.

Well said you old bloater  :clap_hands:

Agree with all of this, although I can't vouch for the "bloater" bit!

Konch has done well out of this, you can't fault him for moving on, I was a fan of his whilst here, and so "good luck" to the fella.

I can't help but feel that it is a move too much for him, the locals will not be that forgiving when he is found wanting, and ultimately in getting a couple of great prospects in return as part of the deal perhaps we have come off slightly better in this particular trade.