Reaction'A very big night' - Ngumoha and Nyoni reflect on their impact in Reds' pre-season win in Japan

Arne Slot's side secured a 3-1 comeback win over J1 League side Yokohama F. Marinos at Nissan Stadium on Wednesday, to conclude the final leg of their preparations abroad.

A first goal from summer signing Florian Wirtz cancelled out the hosts' opener, with efforts from teenage duo Ngumoha and Nyoni then ensuring the Reds' trip to Japan ended with a positive result.

The squad now return to Merseyside to face La Liga opposition Athletic Club in a double-header at Anfield next Monday, before kicking off the competitive action against Crystal Palace in the FA Community Shield on August 10.

Read on for reaction from Ngumoha and Nyoni as they discussed their goals, ongoing aims and more…

Ngumoha

On it being a big night for himself...

Definitely. It was a very big night tonight. I feel like coming off the bench to make an impact was really good. It was obviously nice to get a goal today but that's just the first of many. Like I said last time, I just keep on working hard and showing the manager what I can do.

On his understanding with Andy Robertson growing...

Robbo has really helped me a lot. He's so experienced and one of the best left-backs in the world. I feel like having him behind me, I can't really ask for anything more. He's experienced and teaches me a lot.

On his goal...

I think they lost the ball and Robbo played it to me and just in my mind I was thinking, 'Can I score?' I had a chance last time but I was just happy to score.

On whether he's had any messages...

There probably will be from my brother. He's the biggest person in my life; him and my mum. I know he's definitely buzzing but I'll check it after.

On wanting more success with the senior team...

I'm not trying to rush because I'm still only young. But at the same time, I just want to show the manager what I can do and not get too complacent. I just want to do bigger and better things for me and the club.

Nyoni

On whether his experience of pre-season this year has felt different...

Yeah, definitely. It's just the type of goal as well – it was nice. Like Rio said, coming off the bench you obviously want to show what you can do. Both of us know what we can do but it's just about us showing it as much as possible.

On being around the senior team for a while...

I think this year has been different because last year with the Euros and the Copa America there weren't as many first-team players. I'd say this is my first proper pre-season where everyone is here and I think definitely it's just taking the experience and learning every day from some of the best in the world. I just have to show what I can do.

On his goal...

Rio had the ball and he's given it to me. In the Academy we've always tried to develop a relationship on the pitch. I've backheeled it to him and he's tried to get a shot off and he's blocked it and it's gone out to Jeremie [Frimpong]. As soon as I saw Jeremie, I know he likes to go down the line, so I just made sure I was inside the box and I just finished.

On what was going through his mind...

I think it was just all about watching the ball and making sure I get the right contact because sometimes when you're in the box it's easy to think, 'OK, I'm in the box, I'm right in front of the ball and I've scored already.' It's just about staying focused, directing it to where it needs to be.

On the help he's had from the Academy...

Everyone in the Academy has helped us develop and become better people as well. I think that's the most important thing – becoming a better person and staying grounded. Every time we train or play we give 100 per cent and that's what we try to do.