Reflecting on his departure from Liverpool in September, Tyler Morton shared how Arne Slot and Jurgen Klopp handled his situation differently.
Liverpool’s midfield hasn’t clicked the way it did last season, and the results over the past few months have made that pretty clear.
Last season, Ryan Gravenberch was even being mentioned in Player of the Season discussions, but he’s struggled to find that same level of consistency in this new-look side. Curtis Jones has played a key role at times this year, yet both he and Alexis Mac Allister have had their ups and downs.
Liverpool need to strengthen their midfield to match the squad depth of their title rivals. Slot might now be second-guessing the decision to let Morton move to Lyon.
Tyler Morton explains his conversation with Arne Slot before leaving Liverpool
Morton’s switch to Olympique Lyonnais this summer has demonstrated the high regard in which he was held during his time at the Liverpool Academy.
His time at Lyon is off to a strong start, helping them top their Europa League group while settling in as a regular starter.
Speaking to Le Progres in September, Morton talked about why he was not featuring much under Slot, something that looks even more relevant now given Liverpool’s struggles.
“With Arne Slot, I didn’t play as much as I wanted, even though I was ready. It was his decision, and I took it calmly, but I had to find another path.
“He was very open and very honest with me at the end of last season. We talked a lot, and he let me join Lyon.”
That stood in contrast to how Klopp had handled him after bringing him into the first team two years earlier.
Morton explained: “Jurgen Klopp was the best coach for my development. I think at that moment, I was ready to play. I’m not saying that no one believed it, but I think I was ready, and Klopp thought so too. He gave me the opportunity to play on the biggest stage for a very big club. He believed in me, allowed me to go out on loan to develop.
“Jurgen just wanted the best for me, he made me play great matches in the Champions League and the Premier League. It was a remarkable period, he made me progress at all levels.”
This is not just about Morton. It is also about a larger trend since Klopp left. Slot does not seem as focused on promoting young players from within the club.
There were reports that Slot wanted a new left-winger after Luis Diaz departed while others at the club were keen on giving Rio Ngumoha that role.
Slot’s perspective on the matter might, in retrospect, have been correct. The recent failed attempt by Liverpool this month to sign Antoine Semenyo, for example, only reinforced the clear necessity of finding a replacement for Diaz.
However, this approach clashes with the club’s fundamental identity. The squad has historically been strengthened by Reds’ academy graduates, with some – such as Steven Gerrard and Robbie Fowler – achieving legendary status at Liverpool.
Klopp, for instance, relied on academy players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jones, and Conor Bradley.
Slot has a different approach, but this is unlikely to be accepted should he not maintain last season’s results.
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