Liverpool loanee Marko Grujic insists he has a future at the club despite a second consecutive season on loan at Hertha Berlin.
The Serbian midfielder has made just 14 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool since he was signed by Jurgen Klopp from Red Star Belgrade for £5.1million in January 2016.
The 23-year-old, who has scored two goals in seven league appearances for Hertha Berlin this season, insists his long-term future is with the European Champions.
“It’s not easy to become a part of the Liverpool squad, I can see myself in the red shirt but I have to become more experienced before I can wear it again,” Grujic told the Liverpool Echo.
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“I want to improve my physical performance and take my concentration to another level. I want to be ready for Liverpool so I will have a chance to get into the team.”
Grujic says Klopp was key to his decision to remain in the Bundesliga for another season, despite offers from elsewhere.
“He said that it would be a great opportunity for me to improve my development,” Grujic said.
“The Bundesliga is one of the strongest leagues in the world and Hertha Berlin is a big club. It is very important for me to play regularly right now and [Klopp] told me to fight for my place in the team.
“Klopp and I are texting regularly. I am also in close contact with the Liverpool loan-manager (Julian Ward), he watches every game that I’m in and we’re texting afterwards.
“Also I am very close to Dejan Lovren and Roberto Firmino, but all of the players from Liverpool are great.”