InterviewDominic Corness on Dubai chance, Thiago study and new LFC deal
Dominic Corness is aiming to build on solid foundations after enjoying an invaluable first experience of senior football with Liverpool.
The 19-year-old featured in the Dubai Super Cup game against Olympique Lyonnais on Sunday as one of several youngsters given a chance during the ongoing warm-weather training camp.
Corness – who penned a fresh deal with the Reds only last month – has been a mainstay of the U21s side this term, featuring in Premier League 2 and also seeing action in the Papa Johns Trophy and UEFA Youth League.
The midfielder caught up with Liverpoolfc.com after training to discuss various topics, including his new contract, inclusion on the visit to the United Arab Emirates and much more – read on for the full interview...
On the training camp in Dubai…
It's been a great experience – it always will be when you're with the first team. The training sessions have been intense but it's been a good process to be involved in. I'm enjoying it.
On there being plenty to take from the trip…
Definitely. There's been loads from the first day, we've still got a few days left, but I'm still learning every day and taking stuff in. Obviously the weather plays a big part. It's very hot, which can play a part on the training sessions, and they do make it that little bit harder. But I'm really enjoying the sessions and the intensity. It is hard but that's what I want to be a part of, to try to make myself fitter and better.
On picking up valuable minutes against Lyon…
It was brilliant – [my] first exposure at that level against a very good team and also being involved [in a game] against a very, very good team. I was made up about that.
On the potential for more involvement against AC Milan…
That could be another opportunity. Obviously you just try to work hard in training every day, try to impress as much as you can, and if the opportunity comes try to take it.
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On signing a new deal in November…
I was made up to sign that new deal. When I signed the deal, it was a bit of relief off my shoulders to know that the deal was done. It doesn't mean that I take my foot off the gas. I'll keep pushing now and try to build on what I've done.
On whether he has set himself any targets since signing the new deal…
This was a big ambition, to come on this trip. I want to keep improving and keep learning what I'm doing and hopefully I can get better and better each day.
On which players he has been looking to for guidance within the squad…
I'm a midfielder, so all the midfielders here are exceptional. I really like Thiago, so I would try to base my game off him as much as I can. But it's not just Thiago, it's all the midfielders. Even then, all the players have got attributes that you want to take and try to put into your own game.
On the season restart at Academy level...
Obviously when we get into the New Year our season restarts. It's about getting back into a rhythm of playing games as much as you can and try to get match-fit. There's been a big gap so that fitness could go. But training and the intensity is helping. But once we get back and playing, it's to get into the best rhythm I can.
