Arne Slot accused of failing to remember Jurgen Klopp lesson with Liverpool star

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Former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison has been speaking about Arne Slot's use of Milos Kerkez at Liverpool, comparing it to how Jurgen Klopp developed Andy Robertson

Arne Slot has endured a tough second season at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Former Premier League forward Clinton Morrison has confessed he's unconvinced by Arne Slot's handling of Milos Kerkez during his debut campaign at Liverpool.

The summer acquisition from Bournemouth experienced a difficult start at Anfield, though his displays have shown gradual improvement. Nevertheless, Slot opted for experience in last Sunday's Merseyside Derby triumph against Everton, with Andy Robertson getting the nod at left-back.

Robertson arrived at Liverpool from Hull in 2017, during the early stages of Jurgen Klopp's tenure, and Morrison commended how his introduction was handled compared to Slot's approach with Kerkez.

Speaking to Freebets.com, the home of the best betting sites, Morrison remarked: "Kerkez has been thrown in and struggled — I liked how Klopp eased Robertson in gradually. Slot hasn't done that (with Kerkez)."

Kerkez immediately became Liverpool's first-choice left-back, which saw Robertson forced to play a reduced role.

The Scottish star came close to joining Tottenham during the January transfer window, but that move ultimately collapsed.

Milos Kerkez has struggled since joining Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

It has now been formally confirmed that the 32-year-old will depart the club following almost 10 years at the conclusion of the current season.

This was therefore his final Merseyside Derby, with the same being true for Mohamed Salah, whose appearance was marked by netting the opening goal.

Beto subsequently equalized, before Virgil van Dijk headed home a stoppage-time winner to ease some of the pressure on Slot and place Liverpool in a strong position to secure a Champions League berth for next season.

Despite it being a frustrating campaign for the reigning champions, Morrison believes a top-five finish will be sufficient to keep Slot in his post.

He added: "He needed to finish in a Champions League spot. If he does that, I think he gets another season - at least the start of it.

"There'll be more players going than just Robertson and Salah. Players will be sold to free up money and bring in better-paid talent.

"As for Slot, I speak to a lot of my Liverpool friends who aren't happy - the style of football, the passivity.

"But you have to think back to last season when he won the Premier League. A lot has happened at Liverpool this season. If he secures Champions League football, I think he starts next season as Liverpool manager."