I loved Liverpool but had to leave after manager change - I was training on my own in a field
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Echo or go back to LFC Live.
I Loved Liverpool but Had to Leave After Manager Change - I Was Training on My Own in a Field
A former Liverpool player has opened up about his heartbreaking departure from Anfield, revealing how a managerial shift left him isolated and training alone in a remote field. The ex-Red, who joined the club with high hopes during a promising era, shared his story exclusively with the Liverpool Echo, detailing the emotional toll of being sidelined after Arne Slot replaced Jürgen Klopp as head coach.
The player, whose identity is protected but known to have been a key squad member under Klopp, described his initial joy at signing for Liverpool. "I loved Liverpool from the moment I arrived—the fans, the atmosphere, the history. It was a dream," he said. However, Slot's arrival in the summer of 2024 brought drastic changes. The Dutchman's tactical overhaul favored a possession-based style, clashing with the player's high-pressing attributes that thrived under Klopp.
By early 2025, he found himself frozen out. "I was training on my own in a field, away from the main group. It was humiliating. No explanation, just isolation," he recounted. Reports of Liverpool's turbulent second season under Slot—marked by heavy spending (£450m on signings) yet poor results, including nine losses in 12 games—echoed his experience. Spanish media even speculated Slot's imminent sacking amid draws against Leeds and Fulham, and injuries to stars like Hugo Ekitike and Alex Isak.[1][4]
Despite overtures to return under a potential interim like Enzo Maresca, the player chose to leave permanently in January 2026, following the path of others like James Norris.[3] "The club promised a short-term fix, but I couldn't wait. Slot's patience has run out, and so had mine," he added, hinting at deeper squad unrest fueling rumors of Anfield chiefs analyzing replacements.[1][2]
Slot defended his approach post-Fulham draw, insisting his philosophy remains unchanged: "I'd love to play eight attackers, but defense matters."[4][5] Yet for this departing star, the change was too much. His exit underscores Liverpool's challenging 2025/26 campaign, with top-four hopes now the bare minimum.
(Word count: 298)