Arne Slot responds to Harvey Elliott lifting the lid on private talks over game time
Arne Slot has given a clear message to Harvey Elliott on what he needs to do in to earn a starting spot at Liverpool.
The 21-year-old has struggled for game time since returning from injury in December. Slot hasn’t selected him to start once in the Premier League this season and he has been limited to cameo appearances or starts in cup matches.
In midweek, Elliott put in an excellent display after coming off the bench at half-time against Lille and netted the winner in the 2-1 victory. His celebration, in his own words, was a ‘clear’ indication that he has no plans to leave Liverpool despite the recent rumors of a possible January loan.
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The former Fulham man also gave a classy answer to questions on his lack of play time and lifted the lid on his personal chats with Slot.
“I’ve had conversations with the gaffer but at the same time I need to understand the situation,” he admitted. “The team is flying. We’re first in the Premier League and first in the Champions League,” Elliott explained.
“I think for me to be going in and saying: ‘I need to be playing, I need to be starting’, I think it would be silly of myself really. You know what the answer is going to be.”
Slot was asked on Friday, ahead of the trip to Ipswich Town, about what Elliott must do to earn a starting spot.
“Keep bringing performances in like he did and keep working as hard on the training ground as he is doing as well,” the Liverpool boss replied. “I always say to the players: ‘It’s not only about you, it’s also about the competition you are in’.
“In his situation he is competing with five very good midfielders and there are some youngsters coming through who are very talented as well, although they are not ready for playing time yet.
“But he’s in competition with Wata [Endo], Ryan [Gravenberch], Curtis [Jones], Macca [Alexis Mac Allister] and himself. These are the midfielders we have at the moment. He has to bring performances like he does and then playing time will increase.”
