CURTIS: I CAN SLOT RIGHT IN
Jones feels he’s no longer a kid playing a Kop bit-part and says: With the new boss the slate has been wiped clean... I feel that everyone has equal chance
KOP ace Curtis Jones hopes a ‘clean slate’ under Arne Slot will give him the launchpad to hit new heights at Liverpool.
The Reds midfielder was far from out of favour under Jurgen Klopp but he didn’t become a regular fixture on the former Anfield boss’s teamsheets.
Jones, 23, has faced stiff competition since breaking through in 2019 and injuries always seemed to strike just when he looked like becoming a first-choice player.
Klopp made several midfield signings last summer, with Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai all pitching up at Anfield.
But Jones showed his versatility in a number of roles and still managed 36 appearances while playing key games as the Reds won the Carabao Cup and returned to the Champions League. Now he is hoping to make one of those midfield spots his own under Slot.
“I knew when I came in I wouldn’t always play in games,” said Jones.
“I’ve always had it in my head that all the lads were more experienced and older, but I knew I’d find an edge over them. I have always had that self-belief.
“When Klopp left, I thought I was at the point where our bond had come closer.
“It is part of the game, changes all the time. I am happy he can walk away as a legend of the club and can experience life with his family. Then, when the new guy was coming in, everyone saw it as a clean slate and I thought I needed that.
“I came to the team as a young kid when players were established,
I had a job on my hands. I still do but I feel now I’m at the point where everyone is equal.”
Jones allowed himself only 10 days’ rest this summer despite being given six weeks off. He worked with a personal trainer at home and abroad to be ready for the start of pre-season so he could impress Slot from the off.
He is no longer a young prospect and will be looking to make that count. “I have been around the team for a long time,” he said. “I don’t see myself as a kid. I’m experienced.
“There’s been a big change since I started, lads have come and gone.
“I’ve been around the team for the longest with the likes of Trent (Alexander-arnold), Virg (Virgil van Dijk and Ali (keeper Alisson).
“I came in at 17 so I’ve been around for long enough. I wouldn’t say I’m the most experienced but I know what this club and fans and team want.”
Jones, who played a key role in England’s triumph in the Under-21 Euros last year, was named in the initial England squad for Euro 24 but missed the cut when Gareth Southgate had to name his final list
Jones did take an afternoon off last week before jetting out on preseason tour as he was courtside at London’s O2 for one of USA’S final basketball warm-up games for the Olympics in Paris and it was a chance to meet idol and Liverpool investor Lebron James.
“I always try to study the elites around the world in all the games,” he said. “I have listened to a lot of podcasts about him. How he prepares for games. How professional he is, how much he is in the gym. He is one of the best at what he does.”
NBA star James is coming to the end of his illustrious career, Jones will be hoping the arrival of Slot is the real kickstart of his.