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Liverpool player admits his comments about Jurgen Klopp have come out all ‘wrong’
Liverpool stepped up their preparations for the 2024-25 Premier League campaign with a morale-boosting 2-1 win against Arsenal in Philadelphia.
The Reds raced to a two-goal lead in the first half thanks to Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho, but Kai Havertz halved the deficit for the Gunners shortly before the interval.
Both sides made wholesale changes for the second half, with Arne Slot making ten substitutions throughout the game to make maximum use of his squad.
One player who has garnered a lot of attention in recent weeks is Curtis Jones, with the midfielder starting each of Liverpool’s two pre-season friendlies so far. The 23-year-old found himself in a bit of hot water last month as he seemingly admitted Slot’s gameplay suits him better than what was the case under Jurgen Klopp.
Jones suggested Liverpool’s play under Klopp was ‘‘ at times and ‘rushed’ under Klopp.
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones clarifies Jurgen Klopp comments
However, Jones was quick to play down claims that he disrespected the former Liverpool boss as he accused the media of making a mountain out of a molehill.
Speaking exclusively to after Liverpool’s win against Arsenal, Jones said: “The principles are always the same – we want to work hard and dominate teams. I think that’s what came across a bit wrong and it seemed like I was disrespectful in a way but Jurgen knows I’ll never be that kid.
“He knows that I love him and all of his staff but it was just me saying that this is how I’m going to play now and it’s a little bit of a change.
“He gave me the platform and the belief to know that I’m a kid who can step up. I don’t want to take anything away from him – I want to get that across. How many games have I played? It’s all because of him.
“There were times when people said I had to go out on loan or might need to leave but he was the man and he stuck there the whole time. That’s how the media is at times – you say the odd thing and they try and build a story but I didn’t mean any harm. He knows how much love I have for him and his coaching staff.”
How did Cutis Jones perform under Jurgen Klopp?
Klopp gave Jones his debut as an 18-year-old in 2019 and the young Scouser has been in and around Liverpool’s first team since, making 133 appearances for his boyhood club and being on the verge of making it to the England squad for Euro 2024.
Until this summer, Klopp was the only manager Jones worked with at club level and by his own admission, he holds the German in high regard for everything he’s done in his career so far.
Despite his progression under Klopp, Jones has still not quite become Liverpool’s main man in midfield to date.
He enjoyed his most impressive season to date last year, but there were still times when Klopp chose to rotate the Liverpool academy graduate.
With Liverpool still not making any signings this summer, though, there is definitely a chance for Jones to stake his claim to be one of the Reds’ starting midfielders when the opening day of the season comes around.
And it seems that he is making a decent attempt it so far, with John Barnes very impressed with Jones’ displays in pre-season.
Slot’s first competitive match is set to come against Ipswich Town on August 17th.