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Tyler Morton has opened up on his frustrating final season at Liverpool, in which game time was limited for the boyhood Red.
Morton didn’t play a single minute in the Premier League as Liverpool secured the title and was limited to opportunities in the cup competitions. Even those were reduced throughout the season following a shoulder injury that prevented him from playing after January.
In the end, Morton represented the Under-21s in the final weeks of the season due to his lack of minutes at the first-team level. Having been denied the opportunity to leave in the summer of 2024, this year, Arne Slot did not stand in his way, with the midfielder joining Lyon in August.
He’s thriving in the south of France and has started six of seven league games this season - missing one through suspension - while he netted the winner against Lille at the end of September.
But clearly, his final season at Liverpool still frustrates Morton, especially given he was denied the chance to team up with boyhood idol Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen. He was also disappointed with the lack of faith placed in him by Slot.
Speaking in a recent interview with Sport Bible, Morton was asked whether he felt the Dutchman rated him.
“I think he thought I was a good player, but I don’t feel the trust was there as much,” replied the 22-year-old. “In my opinion, the limited opportunities were down to trust and not ability.
“When I got my opportunity in the cup, I felt like I played well. That’s all I could say.
“I stuck at it, stayed focused, got through to the end of the season and played in the Under-21 Euros, which was amazing.
“I had a few conversations with him [Slot] during the season,” Morton added. “A lot of footballers can be bitter about not playing and let their egos get in the way, but I’m not that type of lad.
“I personally disagreed with the limited amount of game time I got last season, but that was out of my control.
“I did everything I could. I played for the Under-21s when a lot of players wouldn’t. I did everything in my power to stay fit and mentally focused for when my time came, and I still got limited opportunities.”
Reflecting on his decision to end his 17-year association with Liverpool over the summer, Morton added: “I had been at the club for so long. A lot of academy staff have gone on their own journeys, which was frustrating because I wanted to say thank you in person, but I sent everyone a nice text to show my appreciation for what they’ve done for me and how far I’ve come because of them.
“It was a great feeling. I hadn't let my head go during the season and didn't kick up a fuss. I kept my head completely, and got to say goodbye to the coaching staff and players in a nice manner.”
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