Curtis Jones can kickstart his Liverpool career under Andoni Iraola after not being trusted by the new boss's predecessors, according to former Reds midfielder Jason McAteer. McAteer believes Jones was left hurt by Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot.
Jones' Difficult Period at Liverpool
The homegrown star, who was thrust into the problem right-back position at times last season, has faced an uncertain future amid interest from Tottenham and Inter Milan. The latter recently saw a third bid knocked back. Had Slot still been at the helm, Jones could have been on his way. But the landscape has changed since the appointment of Iraola, who has spoken highly of the 25-year-old, saying: "I hope he can continue with us and continue performing the way he has been performing."
McAteer's Analysis of Trust Issues
Speaking to Betarades.gr, McAteer said: "The trouble with Curtis, I feel, is his relationship with the managers he's played for. I think Jurgen loved him but didn't trust him. And I think Slot just didn't trust him. I don't think that was a great relationship. I think things were going on behind the scenes that upset Curtis. Obviously now with all the noise, there's an argument for Curtis to leave the football club. I think it would be a mistake."
Stability Amid Uncertainty
Following a poor title defence and recent upheaval, McAteer says keeping Jones would help maintain continuity. He added: "Liverpool has a DNA, it has a culture. You need players that know those two things, especially for Iraola, a new manager. And just to talk about the broader structure of the club, there's a lot of uncertainty and instability right now. You've got a new manager coming in, the sporting director's [Michael Edwards] just left, Richard Hughes looks like he's going to leave after the window. There's a lot of uncertainty around Liverpool. In this period, the club needs stability. You need that running through the football club, off it and on it. And I would say, around the dressing room, on and off, it is through Virgil van Dijk and Curtis Jones."
McAteer concluded: "I would keep Curtis Jones and if it doesn't work out, the window opens in January and if Curtis wants to move on, or the club doesn't want him, I'm sure there will be negotiations."
