2 weeks ago
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Arne Slot has revealed the Liverpool squad do not know who will be the club’s next vice-captain, but the player in question has been told.
The identity of Virgil van Dijk’s deputy has become an increasingly prominent topic in recent weeks following reports that Andy Robertson has been selected to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was the No. 2 captain before he joined Real Madrid in June.
But Robertson has since denied he is the new vice-captain. “I've seen rumours, I've had texts and I've had people congratulating me, but I've not heard anything,” the Scotland skipper told The Anfield Wrap.
Meanwhile, Slot said last week he has decided who will take on the added responsibility this season, but refused to divulge who will wear the armband in Van Dijk’s absence.
The Liverpool head coach added more intrigue after the Reds’ 3-1 victory over Yokohama F.Marinos on Wednesday.
“The group doesn't know yet. I did talk to the individuals already, so the one that's going to be vice-captain already knows,” the Dutchman said when asked about his new vice-captain.
“Everybody likes to have leaders in the team, and in modern football you don't see that that much anymore. I have the privilege that I have a few of them, so experienced players that are not only experienced but understand the game and can be a voice inside the group and during the game. So, that's always very helpful.
“It's difficult to say but we are now at the beginning of August, so there's a month to go. So many things can happen in football in a month, so let's wait and see.
“First, we go back home and then we're going to play at Anfield next week. Although I liked it a lot over here, the respect of the fans, the way they treated us, how many there were, but I can tell you that Anfield has a better pitch than the last two pitches we've played [on].”
One obvious theory, somewhat supported by Slot’s comments, is that the new vice-captain could potentially still leave the club before the end of the transfer window.
In that case, Robertson would very much fit the bill. He is expected to play a backup role this season for the first time in his Liverpool career, following the summer arrival of Milos Kerkez.
Robertson was linked with a move to Atletico Madrid earlier this window, although talk has subsequently died down.
With three left-backs in Slot’s squad, one of Robertson or Kostas Tsimikas is likely to depart before the transfer window shuts on September 1.
Both defenders played the second half in Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Yokohama, with Florian Wirtz, Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha grabbing the all-important goals.
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