Starlet Nemeth Still Eager To Be A Hit At Anfield

Krisztian Nemeth with the Liverpool Senior Cup 460

YOUNG Liverpool striker Krisztian Nemeth could be facing an uphill battle to break into new boss Roy Hodgson’s first team plans this season – but remains hopeful of succeeding at Anfield.
The 21-year-old Hungarian, who has returned to the club for pre-season training at Melwood after spending the whole of last season on loan at Greek outfit AEK Athens, has been left out of the Reds’ squad which jetted out to Switzerland and Austria yesterday.
Reports this week have claimed that Italian side Lecce have tabled a £2million bid for Nemeth’s services.
But his agent, Tibor Pataky, told the ECHO that the ex-MTK Budapest forward is still eager to prove himself at Liverpool, but admitted the option of another season out on loan was one he would consider.

“Krisztian has a very clear opinion; he wants to stay as a Liverpool player, and his wish is to be successful as a Liverpool player, if Liverpool will give him a chance to fight,” said Pataky.
“For now he is back at Melwood, he is working hard and looking forward. If he feels he will get a chance to make the jump into the first team, he will do everything he can to do so. But if not, then he is happy to go for maybe half a season to another club on loan.”
Nemeth made 17 appearances, scoring three times, for AEK last season. Reports have suggested the Greek club are keen on extending their deal with him, while a host of Serie A clubs are also said to be circulating.
But Pataky says the striker’s future will be decided first by Liverpool, with youngster then assessing his options.
“There have been no discussions with Roy Hodgson yet, but we know a lot about the philosophy of the manager from (Hungarian Fulham player) Zoltan Gera,” he said.
“But we must stress, first it is for Liverpool FC to decide on Krisztian's future.
“He has complete faith in the club. If they want him to return to AEK, then we will think about it. If they want him to go to one of the Italian clubs who are showing an interest, then we will think about it.
“He trusts himself of course, but he is also realistic. If Liverpool say he can fight for a first team place, then he will do so. If not, he will respect their decisions.”

Having helped the Reds’ reserve team to championship glory in 2007-08, and now proven himself in a top-level of European football, Nemeth is clearly developing fast.
He starred for Hungary’s under-20 side at last summer’s World Cup in Egypt, and in May made his senior debut for the national team against Germany in Budapest. And with Euro 2012 qualifiers approaching, the Gyor-born forward has an added incentive to perform this season.
“Of course the Hungarian national team is very important to him,” says Pataky.
“He will now fight for a place in the squad for the Euro 2012 qualification matches.”