Matip aims to hit the ground running on Anfield return
Joel Matip is already looking forward to the chance to chalk up a victory when Liverpool play their first home game of the season after the international break.
A third successive away match to start the Premier League campaign saw the Reds draw 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Saturday.
Defeat by Burnley and a thrilling win by the odd goal in seven against Arsenal on the opening weekend preceded the clash with Spurs, meaning four points on the board before the pause in play.
And Matip is determined to help Liverpool improve their start to 2016-17 by marking the return to Anfield on September 10 with success over champions Leicester City.
Reflecting on the season so far following the final whistle at Tottenham, the defender told Liverpoolfc.com: “It could have been a little bit better, especially today.
“We were in front for a long time but in the end, we only got one goal. We have to work with this point. Three games, four points. Now we play at home and we want to take three points.”
The summer signing made his Premier League bow in north London, having been on the bench for the previous two fixtures as he recovered from injury.
Matip expects to grow in stature as his fitness reaches maximum levels and is keen to build on a formative partnership with Dejan Lovren in central defence.
He added: “It was very intense but it was nice to play 90 minutes.
“With my injury, the beginning of the season was not so easy for me. But now it’s good to play and it will get better.
“Dejan always covered me and gave me help. I also tried to help him. But it was very difficult because it was an intense game. But we can continue and next time maybe we’ll win.”