The Spanish youngster has 14 appearances under his belt to date at Anfield and after a couple of temporary stints away from the club, the 21-year-old is aiming to build on his progress and make a mark on the Liverpool first team this term.
“I hope to make an impression,” he told Liverpoolfc.com. “I am trying to work as hard as I can, trying to do my best to impress our new manager. Hopefully I can do that over the next few games and then seasons.
“I feel like I’ve never been away, to be honest. Everybody at Melwood gave me a good welcome, as always, and I’m glad to be back.”
Pacheco spent last season with Rayo Vallecano in Spain, following a similar stint with Norwich City during the previous campaign. The forward felt it was a worthwhile venture.
“I got a lot of experience,” the former Barcelona youth said. “But I didn’t play as much as I’d expected, and I also had an injury for three-and-a-half months, which kept me off the pitch for a long time. But I learned a lot and I think I am back here stronger.”
Now his focus is completely on making the grade with the Reds — a mission which begins with the club’s tour of North America and Canada and with it a chance to show his skills to Brendan Rodgers.
“Trying to impress the manager is the most important thing,” Pacheco continued. “I’ll try to work hard, play a few games and do my best. Ill also try to enjoy the experience and show the fans we are ready to take part in the Premier League.”
Rafa Benitez plucked Pacheco from the Barcelona youth system in 2009, and the youngster’s reputation grew with each opportunity in the first team — but he is hungry for more.
“I think I had a few games, but I never had a real chance to try and impress,” he said. “I am trying to work hard, do my best and hopefully that will come. I can’t wait to play for Liverpool, and if I work hard, hopefully that will happen.”
The hard work is already underway for Pacheco and his teammates, as the Reds prepare for the first game of their preseason tour, against Toronto FC on Saturday.
New training sessions and different ideas have been well received by the players, and Pacheco added to the chorus of plaudits being given to Rodgers.
“It is a lot different,” he said. “Every manager has a new idea. For myself, I love the ideas he’s got — it’s the way I’ve been all my life back in Spain with my other clubs and with the national team.
“I’m loving the sessions, and I think everyone else is. We’re working a lot with the ball and also working hard on when we lose the ball. That’s the way he likes to play. It’s hard work, but I think we’ll get better and better. The weather has been hard, but we’ll get better with time.”
Pacheco spared a final word for compatriot Suso after the young midfielder helped Spain win the U19 European Championship at the weekend.
“He is a lovely guy and he deserves it. He played really well and worked really hard for the team. I am made up for him,” Pacheco said with a smile.
Photo via liverpoolfc.com
