Liverpool Star is ‘Ready’ to Prove Arne Slot Wrong | OneFootball

Andy Robertson Determined to Reclaim Place under Arne Slot at Liverpool

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson has spoken candidly about his role this season, with new manager Arne Slot preferring summer signing Milos Kerkez at left-back during the opening weeks of the Premier League campaign. The Scotland captain has been named on the bench in each of Liverpool’s first four fixtures, a stark contrast to his previous eight years as a near ever-present.

Speaking on international duty, Robertson said:“It’s not been awkward, I don’t think awkward is the right word. I think it has been difficult for different reasons, I’m used to playing pretty much every game.

“I’ve had eight years at Liverpool where apart from the very start, I was always a starter, I was always playing. And now the first three [Premier League] games, I’ve obviously found myself on the bench, which is what it is.”

Focus on Fitness and Readiness

Now in his ninth season at Anfield, Robertson has stressed that his determination remains intact despite the increased competition brought by Kerkez’s £40m arrival from AFC Bournemouth. Kostas Tsimikas has since gone on loan to Roma, leaving Robertson as the senior alternative in Slot’s plans.

Reflecting on his decision to stay, he explained:“It was the first summer ever that I’ve probably had to think about my future, it has always been nailed on as to where I’m going to be and what my position looks like.

“For the first time I probably had to consider different things and I did that with my family, and ultimately we came to the conclusion that our hearts were still at Liverpool and it was a decision to stay.

“We committed to that and it’s one I don’t regret and I’m happy about. In the close-season I’ve worked probably harder than I’ve ever worked, and in pre-season I’ve come back in really good shape, felt strong and felt really good in pre-season.”

Photo: IMAGO

Eyes on Domestic and European Opportunities

With Liverpool back in the UEFA Champions League and set to begin their Carabao Cup campaign against Southampton, Robertson is hopeful that fixture congestion will open the door to more minutes.

“The start of the season is always a bit difficult, there’s only a game week to week. Obviously we’ve got off to a really good start, three [wins] out of three [in the Premier League] so from a manager’s perspective there’s not much reason to change anyone’s position really.

“When we get back we have pretty much three games every week from the Sunday we get back until the next international break. So, I’m sure there will be a bit more rotation. Whether it happens in my position is yet to be seen, none of us can look into the future.

“But I believe I’ve done everything I can to be in the manager’s thoughts and that’s all I can do.”

Robertson’s Role in Slot’s Liverpool Project

Slot’s debut season at Anfield delivered the Premier League title, and his decisions in shaping the side will continue to draw scrutiny. For Robertson, the challenge is clear. He must prove his value in training, seize opportunities in rotation and show he can still play a central role in Liverpool’s pursuit of silverware.

As he himself put it: “My main focus is, when called upon, to produce as well as I can for Scotland and to produce as well as I can for Liverpool. Hopefully I can look back in the summer that I’m heading to a World Cup and I’ve maybe got a couple more trophies in my back pocket as well.”