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Despite being loaned out last summer, Vitezslav Jaros still harbors ambitions of becoming Liverpool's first-choice goalkeeper. The 24-year-old, who made his senior debut for the Reds in one of two appearances under Arne Slot last season, is approaching the halfway mark of his temporary stint with Eredivisie heavyweights Ajax.
The Czech international has clocked up 16 appearances for the Dutch side in what has been a somewhat tumultuous campaign in Amsterdam. Despite this, Jaros has managed to secure the first-choice spot for most of the season, after being third in line at Anfield.
Fully aware of the monumental challenge he faces in displacing Alisson Becker as Liverpool's number one, he remains resolute in using his time in the Netherlands to bolster his chances back at Liverpool, should the opportunity arise.
"If I say I'm satisfied, how can I improve?" he posed to De Telegraaf. "When I'll be ready to become Liverpool's first-choice goalkeeper - especially with two formidable competitors like Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili - is hard to predict.
"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 manager John Heitinga upon his arrival at the Johan Cruyff Arena, but the Dutchman was sacked as head coach at the beginning of November after winning five and losing five of his 15 games in charge.
The goalkeeper had begun the season as Ajax's number one, but lost his starting spot to experienced Remko Pasveer during Heitinga's closing weeks at the helm.
However, he was disappointed to witness Heitinga, who played a crucial role in persuading him to join the club, lose his position. Whilst he hasn't been in contact with the former Everton defender since his departure from Ajax last month, he plans to get in touch when the moment feels appropriate.
"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."
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