Arne Slot has responded to the recent speculation surrounding Harvey Elliott’s future at Anfield, following the 22-year-old’s comments about his uncertain playing time and future at the club.
Harvey Elliott made it clear this week that while he is committed to Liverpool, his future depends on the decisions made by those in charge. Despite his commitment to the club, Elliott admitted that his future might not be entirely in his hands.
The midfielder, who has featured in 14 Premier League games this season, has yet to start a league match this term, with all of his appearances coming off the bench. This lack of consistent playing time has led to speculation over whether he could seek a move away from the club.
In response to Elliott’s comments, Arne Slot acknowledged that the 22-year-old has not had the playing time he perhaps deserves but highlighted the competitive nature of the squad as a key factor.
“First of all, it’s very important that players here with us would like to stay. That’s a big compliment to everyone working here,” Slot began.
“Harvey Elliott is one that maybe hasn’t had the game time he deserves, but like some others, he’s in competition with good players and also partly because he was injured for some time.”
The Dutch manager went on to explain that after Elliott’s return from injury, he was not at the same level as before, but that in recent months, he has returned to his old form.
“I’ve been honest with him, the first part after he came back from his injury, he wasn’t the same as he was before. But in the past few months, he’s back to his old level again, but there was no need for me to start with different players. I like him more now than I did when he came back from his injury.”
The Liverpool head coach also addressed the competition for spots within the squad, clarifying that while some players may feel the need to prove themselves, he is already well aware of their quality.
“They have nothing to prove to me because I see in the past and in the training sessions. These players don’t have to prove the quality they are. They want to prove to themselves that they are good enough.”
