LFC Academy 08/09

[dww]

What age group(s) does he play in for us?

[red g]

THE ACADEMY INTERVIEW: CHRIS BUCHTMANN
Paul Hassall 16 April 2009 In our latest interview with the Academy Player of the Month, we spoke to the versatile Chris Buchtmann about life with the under-18s and tonight's Youth Cup semi-final clash at Birmingham City.


Hello Chris. You've recently been named under-18 player of the month. How does it make you feel to know you have impressed your coaches at the Academy?
It's great. It shows that I've been playing well and I hope I can play even better in the run up until the end of the season.

What has been the highlight of the month for you?
It wasn't actually in March! At the very end of February we played the Youth Cup quarter-final against Bolton and I was playing at left-back. I had a good game and we won 4-2. It was a great experience.

How have you enjoyed the Youth Cup run this season?
I didn't know much about the competition before I arrived, but as we have progressed against Leeds, Bristol Rovers, Chelsea and Bolton the excitement has grown. I remember there being snow against Leeds in round three. That was tough, but Bristol was even tougher and we only just managed the win on penalties. The pitch wasn't the best but we managed to come through it.

Against Chelsea you finally got the chance to play at Anfield. How did you enjoy that experience?
To be honest, I was really nervous in the first 10 minutes of that game. It was my first time at Anfield, but when we scored through David Amoo's header, it helped me to relax. We went on to win 1-0 and it was good to knock out one of the other big names in the competition.

Tonight you play the first-leg of the semi-final versus Birmingham? What kind of test are you expecting at St Andrews?
They are a very physical team and we have spoken about what danger they may pose. We really want to win the Youth Cup, so hopefully we can make it through to the final and end the season with a trophy.

What's it been like working under Hughie McAuley?
He is a very good coach. He is always looking for you to improve both in training and in games.


You've played in a variety of roles this season. What is your preferred position?
I prefer to play left wing but I have mainly played at left back this season. I like to play on the wing because I like to attack and get into one-on-one situations. But I'm used to playing at full-back now and always look to do my best for the team.

You arrived from Germany back in the summer of 2008. How did that come about and what was it like uprooting to Liverpool?
Well I was playing for one of Germany's schoolboy teams and a Liverpool scout saw me, spoke to my Dad and offered us an opportunity to come to England on trial. I used to play for Borussia Dortmund but it was an easy decision to come here; although I did find it quite difficult at first. I'm only 16 years old and I have left all my family behind. I didn't speak English so well when I first arrived, but I think it's okay now and that has helped. The only problem has been Scouse!

Have you managed to pick up a bit of Scouse then?
Ha ha, yes. I stay with my friend David Amoo with house parents and he has helped me. The people I stay with are very nice too.

There have been a few occasions when you have been able to train with the first-team squad during the international break. How has that helped you?
It has been great. The tempo of the game is much higher and it also helps having somone of Jamie Carragher's experience, talking you through the match and offering advice.

What would you say is your main aim for next year?
My target would be to try and push for a place in the reserve team.

Is there a part of your game you want to improve on?
We have worked hard on my physical condition and I think it has improved over the course of the season.

As a youngster in the playground, most children impersonate their footballing heroes. Who did you look up to?
Lionel Messi. He is a very talented player and I would love to go on and have half the impact he has had on the game.

Aside from football, education is very important at the Academy. What courses do you do?
I do English lessons with Lauri Dalla Valle and after the summer I will do the equivalent of A-levels in Germany. I will study over here and then fly home to Germany to take the tests.

How important do you think education is for aspiring footballers?
It's very important. One day you could have a serious injury and have your career cut short, so it's good to have something to fall back on.

Finally, where do you see yourself in five years time?
I want to be playing for Liverpool's first-team. That is my dream.


sounds like a top kid to

[dww]

Cheers for that.

[Resu]

I`m watching the germany-England u-17 game, Germany 3-0 up. Buchtmann with all three assists. That makes it 1 goal and four assists in two games.
Looks like we`re onto a good player. Has a good overview, very good with the ball, and has a decent work rate.
He looks a much better player then his english counterparts.

[Shaggy]

I`m watching the germany-England u-17 game, Germany 3-0 up. Buchtmann with all three assists. That makes it 1 goal and four assists in two games.
Looks like we`re onto a good player. Has a good overview, very good with the ball, and has a decent work rate.
He looks a much better player then his english counterparts.

Cheers, great to hear

[red g]

I`m watching the germany-England u-17 game, Germany 3-0 up. Buchtmann with all three assists. That makes it 1 goal and four assists in two games.
Looks like we`re onto a good player. Has a good overview, very good with the ball, and has a decent work rate.
He looks a much better player then his english counterparts.

[Jayesh87]

Academy lads lost 2-1 at Sundeland yest.

Will try and update this next week...

[Resu]

Another assist by Bucktmann in the final. He got subbed during extra time.

[Mike]

Have never really looked out for Bucktmann, been focusing on other players like Ince, Ecclestone, Dalle Valle and Wisdom.

He play right back?

[Jayesh87]

Have never really looked out for Bucktmann, been focusing on other players like Ince, Ecclestone, Dalle Valle and Wisdom.

He play right back?

Left Back/ Left Midfield

Altho for the Germans he has played centre mid!


Pepper is out of the final btw

[Mike]

Left Back/ Left Midfield

Altho for the Germans he has played centre mid!


Pepper is out of the final btw

Tbh i dont rate Pepper that highly, he is like another jay spearing but not as much tenacity. I am not slagging off JS, i like him and think he is great, but Pepper doesnt show enough 'ooomf' for me.

[Reece]

Martin Kelly currently live on Setanta with the England U19s. Only about 20 mins left though.

[dww]

Bruna helps Argentina through
By Al Campbell [lfconline]

Monday, 8th June 2009
Gerado Bruna helped Argentina reach the semi-finals of the Toulon Tournament.
The reserve team midfielder made his first start of the under 20's tournament and helped Argentina book their place in the semi-final with a 1-1 draw with the United Arab Emirates.

[lfc for life]

Malcom ellias gone whos next

what the hells going on with the academy has every one got sacked,this guy has got some top lads under his belt theo walcot to name just one why have they got rid of a guy whos found so much talent,are they going to bin all the acad players next?,DONT BLAME THE YOUNG LADS FOR NOT WINNING THE PREM TITLE THATS DOWN TO MONEY AT THE TOP NOT THE YOUTH WHO ARE COMEING THRU

[lfc for life]

what the hells going on with the academy has every one got sacked,this guy has got some top lads under his belt theo walcot to name just one why have they got rid of a guy whos found so much talent,are they going to bin all the acad players next?,DONT BLAME THE YOUNG LADS FOR NOT WINNING THE PREM TITLE THATS DOWN TO MONEY AT THE TOP NOT THE YOUTH WHO ARE COMEING THRU

Malcom ellias gone whos next

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

what the hells going on with the academy has every one got sacked,this guy has got some top lads under his belt theo walcot to name just one why have they got rid of a guy whos found so much talent,are they going to bin all the acad players next?,DONT BLAME THE YOUNG LADS FOR NOT WINNING THE PREM TITLE THATS DOWN TO MONEY AT THE TOP NOT THE YOUTH WHO ARE COMEING THRU