Interview'It was such a good experience' - LFC youngsters on Euros win and pre-season
Liverpool youngsters Luke Chambers and Harvey Davies say winning the UEFA U19 European Championship with England will live long in the memory.
The Reds duo enjoyed a successful summer alongside fellow Academy member Jarell Quansah, as Ian Foster’s Young Lions won the tournament in Slovakia last Friday.
Defender Chambers and goalkeeper Davies were both involved in the travelling squad, gaining vital experience of tournament football with their country.
The pair are now back in pre-season training at the AXA Training Centre among the first wave of returnees to Merseyside under Jürgen Klopp’s watchful eye.
Read on for a full interview with the duo on their Euros triumph, returning for pre-season, setting targets, Calvin Ramsay and much more…
On how it feels being back for pre-season training...
Luke Chambers
It’s nice to see the lads again and be back where you always are. It’s good, especially to be with the first team as well. When you’ve been away with other lads and then come back, it drives you more to be there.
On winning the U19 Euros with England...
Luke Chambers
I think that will always live in my memory. It’s a massive achievement for me and Harvey, and [I’m] just over the moon really. I’m still not over it!
Harvey Davies
It’s such a good experience to be around them all. There’s a lot of lads there that I’ve not played with before, so it was nice to meet them. Going away with England is always a massive honour. I’m really proud to say that we were able to win the Euros.
On getting their hands on a trophy...
Luke Chambers
When you’re younger that’s what you dream of really. For us to be able to say that we’ve won it is massive; it’s a massive honour.
Harvey Davies
It was such a good feeling. I couldn’t stop smiling for a few hours and I know that us and all the lads, [we] didn’t really take our medals off for a while. Honestly, [it was] a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity [and] to do it so young is even better.
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On the Euros providing extra motivation at Liverpool...
Luke Chambers
Definitely, we’ve come in here now with a lot of confidence from what we’ve achieved. Now it’s time to knuckle down at Liverpool [and] get our heads focused on the new season.
On the congratulations they’ve received since returning to Liverpool...
Harvey Davies
It’s nice to see all the lads, [they] all gave us a warm welcome when we came back but, like Luke said, it’s time to get started with the new season and hopefully we’ll have a successful season like we did last year.
On pre-season being a chance to impress the boss...
Luke Chambers
Definitely, we’ve got quite lucky because we’ve kept on top of our fitness while we’ve been away with England. Now we’ve come back in, I think we both feel a lot sharper than when we left off. I think it’s put us in good hands. Then it’s always good to try to impress the boss and his assistants. It’s just trying to impress [and] make a good thing for yourself.
Harvey Davies
Definitely, especially when there’s not other senior players here. It’s a chance for the staff to have a look at the young players and get in their eyeline as much as possible.
On initial impressions of new signing Calvin Ramsay...
Luke Chambers
I saw him yesterday doing his tests. He looks in good shape and he’s a nice lad. I haven’t seen him train yet – I’m excited to see what he’s got.
Harvey Davies
He’s a lovely lad. I haven’t spoken to him too much but from what I’ve seen he looks like a good player. I’m sure he’ll be a good addition to the team.
On whether any personal targets are set for the new season...
Luke Chambers
I don’t really set [targets], but I’ve just got a mindset that I want to go as far I can this year and hopefully have a really good season. [It’s to] try to get myself in the first team the odd time and try to just show them what I’ve got.
Harvey Davies
I think it is just about taking it day by day really, try to impress each day. And then hopefully when the opportunity comes my way, I take it and I impress and do well.