Curtis Jones insists he loves Jurgen Klopp after being accused of disrespecting his former manager with comments about Arne Slot.
The Liverpool midfielder said he is ‘the happiest he’s been’ under the current Reds boss and suggested he prefers the new style of play.
But his comments led some to believe he was implying he didn’t totally enjoy his time under Klopp.
That included talkSPORT’s Ade Oladipo and Gabby Agbonlahor, who both suggested Jones was being ‘disrespectful’ to the German.
“What does that say? Does that say Jones was frustrated at his lack of game time under Klopp?” Agbonlahor said. “I think it’s a bit disrespectful to Jurgen Klopp.”
Now, though, Jones has clarified that he has nothing but love for his former boss and doesn’t want to take anything away from the job he did at Anfield – including the role he played in his career.
After Liverpool’s 2-1 pre-season win over Arsenal, the Reds academy graduate said: “The principles are always the same, we want to work hard, press, dominate teams. That’s what I think came across a little bit wrong.
“I’d like to say now on this, I’ve seen things that it seemed like I was disrespectful in a way.
“But Jurgen knows I’d never be that kid. He knows how much I love him, that I love all of his staff.
“It was just me saying that how I’m going to play now is a little bit of a change.
“He’s given me the platform and belief in myself to know I’m a kid who can step up as well, I’m not just a kid who’s just a squad lad, I can really be counted on. I don’t want to take away anything from him and get that across.
“How many games have I played? It’s all because of him. There were times when I was being told I need to go out on loan, or I might need to leave the club.
“And he was the man, he’s stuck there the whole time.”
After making his debut in 2018, Jones won a Premier League title, two League Cups and an FA Cup under Klopp, who left Anfield at the end of last season.
23-year-old Jones was forced off with an injury against Real Betis, but has since recovered, starting against the Gunners on Wednesday.
Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho put the Reds 2-0 up before Kai Havertz netted before half-time to half the deficit.
News Summary:
- ‘Came across wrong’ – Curtis Jones clarifies Jurgen Klopp comments after being accused of ‘disrespecting’ ex-Liverpool boss
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