According to the "Team" report, Liverpool's former player/former French international Cice was interviewed and talked about Ekitic's upcoming joining Liverpool.

Note: Before Ekitic, 18 French players had played for Liverpool, and Cice was the person with the most goals in Liverpool's history (24 goals).

When you first joined the Reds in 2004, did you feel the pressure brought by the Liverpool jersey?

My situation is different from Ekitic, I joined in a different capacity (before that I was the top scorer in the Ligue 1, scoring 26 goals in Ausselle), and my transfer fee was a club record at the time (21 million euros). At that time, I had to have strong resistance to stress, and I was facing much more pressure than him. After all, his current situation of joining is relatively easier. But I think Ekitic's transfer may have surprised many Liverpool people.

Despite this, Liverpool paid 90 million euros (including bonuses) to introduce Ekitic...

Ekitic had a very outstanding season in Frankfurt (scoring 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 games). His situation was a little more complicated when he was at Paris Saint-Germain. In 2023, Ekitic should actually go to a club between Reims and Paris to transition, but I think he can adapt to the Reds' tactical system. Ekitic's style is a bit like a 'fulcrum forward', which can be said to be somewhat similar to Crouch (of course, the two cannot be completely equivalent), and there is currently no player of this type in Liverpool's lineup, so the coach can make good use of this. However, Ekitic may not be able to stay in the main position at Liverpool at the beginning, after all, there are also a number of big-name forwards such as Salah in the team. What Ekitic needs to adapt most is the intensity and confrontation of the English league. He may have more time to handle the ball in the German league, but the rhythm of the Premier League will make him uncomfortable.

Will it be difficult for Ekitic to adapt to Anfield Stadium?

It's not difficult in Anfield! Because fans will always support you and cheer for you. But it's different on the road. Ekitic must keep up with the pace of a player like Salah who keeps scoring goals, and everyone will expect him to reach a similar level.

Is Liverpool's jersey difficult to ‘control’?

is not difficult. This jersey is of great significance and carries a long history. It will give you strength, not burden, and will make you want to bring happiness to your fans. I'm glad Ekitic had this experience.

Do you think Ekitic chose to sign Liverpool? ”

Of course, Ekitic is crazy to reject Liverpool. He needs to show his performance next, but judging from his performance in Frankfurt and the French U21 youth team, he is already different from when he was in Paris. He regained his confidence and desire to play, dared to try some difficult moves, and most of them were successful.