“I can’t continue to pretend that everything is fine. I can’t continue here now that Jurgen Klopp is gone, I just have to leave” – An ‘exceptional’ Liverpool player is not training with the first team under Arne Slot and is set to depart. This can’t be happening 😳💔 And he just joined us too 😳💔 Jurgen Klopp’s exit is still affecting us 😳💔 Liverpool fans aren’t happy about this 😳💔
Arne Slot is familiarizing himself with his Liverpool team after nearly two weeks of training. Many key players are still absent, having been involved in international competitions over the summer. Despite this, Slot has had the chance to assess some of the squad’s less prominent members.
One notable performer during this time has been Sepp van den Berg. Meanwhile, Curtis Jones has praised the return of Kaide Gordon to first-team training.
As Slot starts trimming the squad for their upcoming tour in America, his choices for player selection are becoming more apparent. Notably, Rhys Williams has been excluded from first-team training.
The transition from Jurgen Klopp to Slot could offer more playing opportunities for certain players at Anfield. Van den Berg is a prime example, but others might also benefit from this change.
Although Fabio Carvalho might leave, he still has an opportunity to impress Slot and secure his place at the club.
In contrast, the familiar settings of Klopp’s era may signal the end for some players at Merseyside, particularly center-backs Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams.
Both players are appreciated by fans for their contributions during the injury-hit 2020/21 season. Klopp had previously described Williams as “exceptional” for his role in helping Liverpool achieve a third-place finish, with Phillips also being a fan favorite.
However, according to the Liverpool ECHO, this summer appears to be the last for both at Liverpool.
Although the club has already rejected an offer for Phillips, Williams’ situation seems more dire. The 23-year-old has reportedly been absent from first-team training during pre-season.
As pre-season progresses, Slot’s squad preferences will become more defined. There is still time for many, especially academy players, to prove their worth under the new coach. However, for Williams, it appears his chances are fading. At 23, he likely needs a fresh start.
Williams, who has been with Liverpool since his youth, faces a tough farewell. His extended stay without regular playtime could hinder his career.
Williams has had difficult loan experiences at Swansea, Blackpool, Aberdeen, and Port Vale. He needs to find a stable club where he can regain the form that once earned him 19 appearances for Liverpool.
