---
title: "“I’m not stupid” – Grujic knows it will be tough to break in at Liverpool"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/im-not-stupid-grujic-knows-it-will-be-tough-to-break-in-at-liverpool/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Articles"
published: "2020-01-09T06:30:27Z"
modified: "2020-01-09T09:57:37Z"
---

# “I’m not stupid” – Grujic knows it will be tough to break in at Liverpool

Marko Grujic is under no illusions about how difficult it will be to break into the Liverpool team next season.

The Serb is currently on loan at Hertha Berlin, where he has shone for the Bundesliga club.

He was even [called](https://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/Bundesliga/liverpool-s-marko-grujic-by-far-the-best-midfielder-hertha-berlin-dardai-518902.jsp) “by far the best midfielder at Hertha Berlin in 20 years” by former manager Pal Dardai, back in 2018.

Grujic is expected to return to Liverpool in the summer, but there are numerous midfielders he has to jump in front of.

Klopp has a host of options in the middle of park, with Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all important players.

Speaking to [Goal](https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/from-klopp-to-klinsmann-and-back-again-grujic-not-giving-up/9v548g2xpnag1h3r5xbcqsmc3)‘s Neil Jones, Grujic admits it will be hard to make the grade, but says watching Liverpool closely stands him in good stead:

> I know it’s going to be tough. I’m not stupid. I know that Liverpool right now are an unbelievable team, the best team in the world. So, I know that I have to be at a very high level if I want to have a chance.
>
> That’s why I watch as many of their games as I can, to learn and to see the level. I know improvement is the only thing that can help me.
>
> And it’s why I could accept that I needed to go somewhere to play regularly this season. I needed minutes, I needed to learn the game, when to defend, when to attack, where to be on the pitch. I want to improve every part of my game.
>
> Defending is a big part, because when you look at Liverpool, they defend like hell! Every player is fighting for every inch of the pitch, which is so impressive. Sometimes I get tired just watching them!
>
> Jordan, Gini, Fab, Milner – they are all huge role models for a player like me. The job they do is so underrated, and their levels are so high. They play with such intensity, every game. That is what I have to aspire to.
>
> Next season, who knows, hopefully I am ready to jump up with the team. That is what I hope for.Read Liverpool Verdict

### Read Liverpool Verdict

Grujic has all the attributes to become a formidable player for Liverpool, whether it be his physical strength, quality on the ball or versatility.

At 23 years of age, he also represents a long-term option, unlike Henderson, Wijnaldum and, in particular, Milner.

Grujic can definitely make the grade at Liverpool, but he must retain extremely high standards if that is to happen.

Midfield is the most gruelling area of the pitch under Klopp, with the manager demanding selfless off-the-ball work and an understated influence.

Grujic will only be a success if he echoes the impact of those currently in the team.