When I return to Liverpool I want to be first choice - and win the Champions League

Vitezslav Jaros and Jarell Quansah

Vitezslav Jaros still holds out hope of becoming Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper one day despite leaving the club on loan last summer.

The 24-year-old, who made his senior debut for the Reds as one of two appearances under Arne Slot last season, is coming up to the midway point of his temporary spell with Eredivisie giants Ajax.

The Czechia international has made 16 appearances for the Dutch outfit to date in what has been a somewhat turbulent campaign in Amsterdam.

Jaros has at least been first choice for the majority, having spent last season as third choice back at Anfield.

And while well-aware of the daunting task he would face to usurp Alisson Becker as number one back on Merseyside, he is determined to use his time in the Netherlands as a way to push on back at Liverpool, if given the chance.

Jaros

"If I say I'm satisfied, how can I improve?”

“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.

"I'm 24 years old, but I've moved around a lot and - partly due to a few loan spells as a Liverpool goalkeeper - I've already played for eight clubs.

“The path to the top is simply different for goalkeepers than for outfield players.

“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.

"I'm really pleasantly surprised (about the quality in the Netherlands). There are many great and big clubs in the Netherlands with quality players, which means many matches are close and difficult to win

“And the stadiums may not be as impressive as in the Premier League, but they're still very nice. And you hardly see any empty seats."

Jaros was reunited with former Liverpool assistant coach John Heitinga when making the move to the Johan Cruyff Arena, only for the Dutchman to be dismissed as head coach at the start of November having won five and lost five of his 15 matches in charge.

The shot-stopper had started the season as first-choice at Ajax, only to lose his place to veteran Remko Pasveer during Heitinga’s final weeks in charge.

But he was still upset to see Heitinga, who played a decisive role in his own decision to join the club, lose his job.

And while he has not spoken to the former Everton defender since he departed Ajax last month, he intends to reach out when the time is right.

"I had a wonderful time with him at Liverpool and know what a good coach he is,” he said. “Moreover, Ajax is an immensely large and globally renowned club.

“Because of John and the club's history and stature, it was an easy decision to make (to join Ajax).

"I like John, he's a nice guy, and I think everyone in the squad agrees with that, so it was sad to see him go.

“I don't think now is the right time to contact him and I'll give him some time. But I'll definitely call him."

Ajax’s form has picked up in recent weeks at least, with the club putting together a four-game winning run heading into their final match before the Eredivisie winter break against NEC Nijmegen next weekend.

And after six games on the sidelines, such a winning run - including a 2-0 victory over Feyenoord last time out - has coincided with Jaros reclaiming his place under caretaker manager Fred Grim.

Jaros was shocked to lose his place, initially finding himself dropped for a Champions League trip to Chelsea back in October. But he is benefitting from working alongside Pasveer.

But now back in the Ajax side, he’s determined to retain his starting berth ahead of the 42-year-old.

Jaros

"It was a surprise, and therefore a difficult time to be sidelined for six matches,”

“You often see managers try something under pressure when the team isn't performing as hoped.

"There's a lot of pressure on us, because every mistake – and sometimes even a half-miss – results in a goal conceded in 95 percent of cases.

“I'm happy to have my starting spot back and hope to hold on to it

"He's (Pasveer) a great colleague and a consummate professional who's been playing in this league for years. He gives me tips, and I also try to learn by watching him.

“Whether I can still play at this level at 42? That's difficult to say. But I do see how much Remko puts into it, and we talk about that.

“I have a lot of respect for how he takes care of his body. I do the same. But I realise that you also need a bit of luck in your career and not to sustain any serious injuries."

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