"I’ve got to be a bit selfish and go with however I feel" - Liverpool star hints at January transfer after 4-0 win over Accrington Stanley
Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton has suggested he could depart the club during the January transfer window due to a lack of game time under Arne Slot this season. His comments arrived after he impressed during their 4-0 win over Accrington Stanley in the third round of the FA Cup at Anfield on Saturday.
Morton made his senior debut for the Reds in September 2021 under Jurgen Klopp. He then had two successful loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and Hull City over the last two seasons. The 22-year-old defensive midfielder has impressed when given the chance this season, providing one assist in four appearances across all competitions to date.
Following Liverpool's 4-0 win, Morton was questioned about his limited game time this season, to which he told LFCTV (via Rousing the Kop):
“It’s been tough for me this season, minute’s wise. I think I’ve handled it very well, I’ve kept my head down and given it everything every day. I think I do deserve the chance. I got the chance today and hopefully people thought I took it. I think I had a good game and when you don’t get many chances you have to take them and I think I did today.”
He added:
"This month’s obviously a big month for myself. It’s decision time and I think I’m ready to kick on and be a proper professional. Definitely I’m ready to kick on now and move up a step. If that’s here, if that’s somewhere else, I think football’s football and I’ve got to be a bit selfish and go with however I feel.”
Morton started as Liverpool's No. 6 against Accrington, playing 60 minutes before being replaced by James McConnell. He won four duels and both his tackles, made three recoveries, and created one chance (via FotMob).
"It is in the end a League Two team" - Arne Slot makes honest admission on Federico Chiesa's performance during Liverpool's win over Accrington Stanley
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has admitted he was pleased with Federico Chiesa after he scored his first goal for the club during their 4-0 win over Accrington Stanley. However, the Dutch tactician added that he isn't getting carried away due to the visitors being a League Two side.
Chiesa has struggled for game time this season for the Reds after missing 15 games across all competitions due to a muscle injury. He was dealt a further blow after being named on the bench against Accrington Stanley. He came off the bench at half-time and scored a goal from distance in the 90th minute.
During the post-match press conference, Slot said (via Liverpool's official website):
"Rio was lucky that Federico wasn’t with us in the last two days – because he was sick – otherwise Federico would have started, of course. Now he could play 45. We could bring Dom [Szoboszlai] 45 minutes, bring him out and then Federico [in]. It’s nice to make your debut and if you have played for this club already then you want to score your first goal, especially in front of your own fans."
He added:
"That’s what he did now, so that’s a good next step. Let’s not get carried away too much because although I liked the way Accrington Stanley played, a lot, it is in the end a League Two team. But it’s definitely a good next step for him to be available and even score a goal."
Chiesa has now scored one goal and provided one assist in five appearances across all competitions this season for the Reds. Diogo Jota (29'), Trent Alexander-Arnold (45'), and Jayden Danns (76') were also on target for Liverpool during their 4-0 win.
