With a strong goalkeeping department already at Liverpool, Ajax’s No.1 targets the top spot at Anfield.
While many young loanees dream of simply forging a career, Vitezslav Jaros is targeting the very top. The Liverpool goalkeeper, currently gaining experience at Ajax, has openly declared his ambition to not only become the Reds’ first-choice goalkeeper but to lift the Champions League at Anfield.
The 24-year-old Czech international, who has made just two senior appearances for Liverpool, faces the daunting prospect of displacing either Alisson Becker or Giorgi Mamardashvili. Yet, in a candid interview with De Telegraaf, he outlined a crystal-clear path for his future.[smartframe_images_embed customer-id=”04742eb90cefa12a5e3ab9bae92c2b93″ image-id=”neimP5Qp9Qul” style=”width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 4015px; aspect-ratio: 4015/2677;”]
Allison and Mamardashvili in the way
“If I say I’m satisfied, how can I improve?” Jaros stated. “When I’m ready to become Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper – especially with two formidable competitors like Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili – is difficult to say. Because taking their place isn’t easy. But that’s ultimately the goal. And once I succeed, I want to win the Champions League.”
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This season at Ajax represents a significant step in his development. Jaros has navigated a turbulent period in Amsterdam, which included the sacking of head coach and former Liverpool assistant John Heitinga. He has reclaimed his starting spot under caretaker boss Fred Grim, part of a recent four-match winning streak.
Need to grind to go to the top
His journey has been one of patience and strategic loan moves. Since signing from Slavia Prague in 2017, Jaros has had spells in Ireland, England’s lower leagues, and Austria with Sturm Graz. He believes this well-travelled route is essential for a goalkeeper’s education, especially at a club of Liverpool’s stature.
“The path to the top is simply different for goalkeepers than for outfield players,” he explained. “Especially in England, when you play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, you don’t get that chance until you’re eighteen or nineteen. So I felt I needed to gain experience elsewhere, and the club agreed. It’s made me stronger and better.”
Heitinga’s influence
Jaros also fondly recalled the influence of Heitinga, who was instrumental in his move to Ajax. “I had a wonderful time with him at Liverpool and know what a good coach he is,” he said, expressing sadness at his dismissal.[smartframe_images_embed customer-id=”c78749ece7fd074ea5dc1889e7c53f0f” image-id=”esmeN1H0i4od” style=”width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 4860px; aspect-ratio: 4860/3240;”]
For now, Jaros’s focus is on performing consistently for Ajax. But his ultimate objective remains fixed on Merseyside. His declaration to target Liverpool’s No. 1 spot is a bold statement of intent, setting the stage for a fascinating long-term battle to inherit the gloves from one of the world’s best.
