Tyler Morton spent 17 years of his life at Liverpool, but was transferred during the summer after failing to establish himself in the first team.
Arne Slott is feeling the heat for the first time as Liverpool manager after suffering four consecutive defeats in all competitions. And, as two former stars can attest, the Dutch coach hasn’t always charmed his players.
Former Liverpool player Harvey Elliott, who is currently at Aston Villa after a summer move, has previously spoken out about his relationship with Slott, a decision that has left the 22-year-old furious.
“So there are some moments during the season where you get angry,” he said. “It’s frustrating because I want to play, but at the same time I have to respect the situation and I have to respect the manager’s decision.
“Some games I’m needed and some games I’m not needed. That’s the way football is. That’s why I feel like it’s all down to his decisions that we’re where we are this season.”
Former Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton has also revealed that he doesn’t think his former manager trusted him. He has previously spoken openly about his lack of playing time under his successor, Jurgen Klopp.
The star is currently part of a trade with Ligue 1 side Lyon after the French club spent £15 million on him. The academy graduate made his senior debut four years ago but struggled to make regular appearances for the club and spent time on loan at Blackburn Rovers and Hull City.
In an interview with SPORTbible, Morton said: “I think he thought I was a good player, but I don’t think he had that much faith in me. In my opinion, the limited chances were more about trust than ability. When I got my chance in the cup, I felt I played well. That’s all I can say.”
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“It was great to be persistent, stay focused, get through to the end of the season and play in the Under-21 Euros. I had several conversations with him (Slot) during the season. A lot of footballers are bitter about not being able to play, or their egos get in the way, but I’m not like that.”
“Personally, I didn’t agree with the restriction on playing time last season, but that was out of my control. I did everything I could. I played for the Under-21s while many players did not play.
“I tried my best to stay fit and mentally focused for when my time came, but my chances were still limited.
“I just wanted to play. I don’t think I was asking too much to come off the bench in the Premier League… anything, to be honest.”
Morton went on to explain that it was the Champions League game against PSV that was frustrating. Slott selected James McConnell over Morton, and the latter played less than 40 minutes.
He added: “I think the PSV game was a time when we had to be on top of our heads and it was difficult. It was a complete rubber game. They had already won the Champions League and I didn’t start. That’s when there was pure frustration.”
“I understand what happened. I had agreed to undergo surgery (on my shoulder) a few weeks after the game against PSV, but I played through the pain for the chance to play in the Champions League.”
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