Jones Praising Slot, Does Not Disrespect Klopp

On Friday morning, the Liverpool fanbase was greeted with a well worded and enthusiastic clutch of words from the former England under-21 captain, Curtis Jones, something which has created mixed opinions for some of the support.

As the reds prepared to take on Real Betis in their initial preseason friendly of the US tour (which ended as a 1-0 win), the excited academy graduate was present for the pre match press conference, with an eagerness to express how well he had taken to life under his new Head Coach, Arne Slot. It must be noted that the 23-year-old midfielder cut short his six-week break (by a fortnight), to begin his preseason training ahead of time. His early work under the former Feyenoord manager, has made a strong impression on the 2019/20 Premier League winner.

I have chosen to see the words in a positive light, however, the 6ft 1inch controlling midfielder did state that the new patterns of play came as a breath of fresh air, something which is enabling his own skill set even more so. Many Jürgen Klopp loyalists appear to have taken this as a direct criticism against the legendary former manager, which I believe is something that has been taken out of context.

The lad himself has often split opinion and after an initial thirty minutes against Betis, an injury occurred which forced a precautionary substitution. This circumstance has added fuel to the Anfield, as the injury plagued middle man failed to back up his words with yet another ailment.

What Next for Jones?

I sense that with the Anfield giants touring the US and the football executives preparing contracts for existing and new players, this type of news story has been used to fill Merseyside related column inches, caused by a slow news week. Under new leadership, I envisage certain individuals blossoming, especially those that may have risen through the ranks over the past few years.

Until the most recent footballing campaign, those not named Trent Alexander Arnold have often found it difficult to alter the mindset of a loyal German manager and break into the first team elite. Regarding the future England international, Curtis Jones, his own breakthrough opportunity came only in the 2022/23 campaign, despite a spattering of appearances in years prior. That troublesome season saw Jordan Henderson, James Milner, and (to a lesser degree) Fabinho, all regress dramatically.

The alarming drop off in the midfield group and the injury issues surrounding Thiago Alcântara, Naby Keïta, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlian, created an opening that allowed the under-21 European Championship winner, Jones, to come forth and take his place in the first team picture. Despite a wonderful half season in that campaign, there was never an instance where you felt the homegrown product was first choice, which has perhaps been a key reason for deliberating his comments.

Though the Liverpool born technician is now a fully-fledged member of the senior squad, it has too often seemed like his place would be taken at some point, especially with a quartet of midfielders being signed last summer. Where once the teenager became a man under the loyal guidance of the red’s former manager, it seems this new dawn is seen as something that can offer something more refined to a gifted and ambitious footballer.

The new voice and direction of an altered coaching staff appears more suited to intricate possession-based play (instead of a rock n roll enterprise), a fact that should better suit the former academy skipper’s game. To see a young man so confident and excited about the future of the club, must surely be seen as a bright moment. I have little doubt that the huge respect shown for the former regime will be widespread, yet that homage should not deflect from the promise of what is to come, nor should it limit what the playing staff feel or comment upon.

The reds number 17 is evidently determined to show his new Head Coach what he can do. The positive vibes within the club can only aid the transitional period being undertaken, despite those that remain sceptical. Liverpool v2.0 is now fully upon us and the landscape looks a very bright one, which I hope can spread to the loyal support.