'We talked about it': Former Chelsea player says one Liverpool star was 'happy' at Anfield but left this summer
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
Liverpool embarked on something of a mass clear-out this summer as they made way for the next phase of the Arne Slot era.
The Reds shipped 12 players out either on loan or via permanent transfers, with Slot really putting his own stamp on the squad.
Despite the quantity of players leaving, there were few surprises regarding those who called time on their Liverpool careers.
One of those whose exit had been in the pipeline for a little while was Kostas Tsimikas, who had been demoted to third-choice left-back following the arrival of Milos Kerkez.
Many Liverpool supporters would have been expecting Tsimikas to leave all summer, and he eventually joined Roma on loan on the penultimate day of the window.
Although it was not a surprise to see the Greek go, his former international manager Gus Poyet has admitted to being completely taken aback by the transfer.
Photo by Fabio Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images
Tsimikas has been a very capable player for Liverpool.
He may never have overthrown Andy Robertson to become first-choice, but he was dependable throughout his five years in red.
The 29-year-old was also a terrific character to have around the Liverpool squad.
And according to Poyet, Tsimikas really was happy at Anfield.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
READ MORE: Liverpool missed chance to complete their midfield for just £17m and are now rueing it
“Yes, Tsimikas’ move to Roma surprised me, because he was very happy at Liverpool,” the former Chelsea player told Italian outlet Tele Radio Stereo.
“But perhaps the rotation and not playing so often had an impact.
I imagine Roma will have convinced him, perhaps by speaking to the coach; it would be really interesting to understand how the Giallorossi changed his mind.”
Poyet also suggested that Roma’s system might actually suit Tsimikas more than playing for Liverpool.
“I haven’t followed Roma much, but from the information I’ve gathered, I know they play with three defenders,” he says.
“I think his characteristics are a good fit for that system, more than a back four.”
Having spent the past half-decade as a back-up with Liverpool, it will be fascinating to see whether Tsimikas is Gian Piero Gasperini’s first pick with Roma.
Poyet certainly seems to think he can be, predicting that the Liverpool loanee will thrive in the intense playing style of Gasperini.
“I think he’s perfect in terms of characteristics,” says the Uruguayan.
“I think they chose Tsimikas not only for his international calibre, for his experience with Liverpool and the Greek national team, but also for Tsimikas’ typical characteristics, because he thrives in a very intense game.”
With Robertson’s contract set to expire in a year’s time, there is a chance Tsimikas could still return and play for Liverpool next season.