Andy Robertson is yet to decide on his Liverpool future after reluctantly accepting a change in his role under Arne Slot.
For the first time since arriving at Anfield, the 31-year-old is no longer the first choice at left-back, a reality he acknowledges will factor into his thinking as his contract approaches its final months.
With his deal set to expire this summer and discussions already held, Robertson’s next steps are uncertain, leaving his place at the club in question.
“I’ve got five months left and we need to see the option to stay or if there’s options to go,” he told reporters after Monday’s FA Cup win over Barnsley. “We’ve had chats now which will remain private. I’ll sit down with my family and decide. After a stressful summer, I’m just trying to enjoy being a Liverpool player so let’s see what happens.”
Robertson found himself at an unfamiliar crossroads in his Liverpool career last summer when the club signed Milos Kerkez for £40million from Bournemouth to effectively replace him.
The long-serving left-back knew his minutes would be limited as a result, and despite making 20 appearances in all competitions, he’s only started four times in the Premier League.
“I’m a player who wants to play,” he said. “I think Jurgen Klopp left me out of one game and I was raging! I’ve played through injuries. I’ve played when I’m not 100 per cent fit. I’ve played when I’ve only been 50 per cent, 40 per cent, or 30 per cent fit because I always want to be playing. And obviously now that’s not happening, so that’s what is different.
“But I do have a different role here this season, which I’m getting enjoyment out of. But at the end of the day, footballers want to play, and if anyone is sat happy on the bench, then they haven’t got the right attitude and they don’t belong at any football club.”
Robertson says he’s happy with his performances, adding: “I’ve played well in the games I’ve played this season. Maybe I’ve not played as much as I would have liked, but it’s nothing I’ve been surprised by.”
And he insists his rapport with the club’s decision-makers remains strong. “The relationship is good and it’s not quite ‘what do they need to show me and what do I need to show them’ as we’ve shown each other more than enough respect over the last eight-and-a-half years,” he says.
“I’ve given absolutely everything for the club, and the club have been very good to me. They have rewarded me with good contracts when I have been playing well, and I’ve put in some performances which I think have been good and I hope others agree.
“I’ve won a lot of trophies and had a lot of good days here. My relationship with the people higher up in the club has always been excellent since the day I came in. Signing me for £8million and then doing what I have done helps that. I remind people of that all the time!
“We’ll see what happens. We’ve had chats now but they will remain private.”