When Jurgen Klopp bid farewell to Anfield, the atmosphere was bittersweet. As Klopp sailed off into a new chapter with a tearful goodbye, many Liverpool fans felt a sense of ending.
But for Curtis Jones, it was anything but a sad moment. Instead, it marked the beginning of an exciting opportunity.
Jones, who has always held Klopp in high regard, saw his departure as a chance to reset.
It was a moment to prove himself under new leadership and to step up from being a squad player to a key figure in the team.
With the arrival of new manager Arne Slot, Jones is ready to make his mark and show what he can truly offer.
At Liverpool’s pre-season base in Pennsylvania, Jones shares his excitement about the new approach under Slot.
“This is the happiest I have been,” Jones says, reflecting on the fresh style of play that Slot is introducing.
The 23-year-old midfielder feels that the new tactics align perfectly with his strengths and are a perfect fit for both him and the team.
Jones describes how Slot’s philosophy differs from the previous approach.
“The midfielders are now going to be the heart of the team,” he explains. He appreciates the emphasis on calm, controlled play and a more methodical approach to breaking down opponents.
This is a shift from the previous, more direct style, and Jones feels it suits his game better.
With many senior players absent on Liverpool’s current U.S. tour, Jones sees this as his moment to shine.
While some of his teammates are away on international duty or recovering, Jones has used the time wisely.
He dedicated part of his holiday to training in Los Angeles, where he also sought advice from Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and met basketball star LeBron James.
Commitment to Improvement
Jones’s commitment to his development is evident.
He returned to training early and has been working hard to improve his fitness and performance. He’s been closely working with Slot’s assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, to refine his positional play and goal-scoring abilities.
Jones finds this personalized coaching immensely valuable and believes it’s contributing to his happiness and growth as a player.
Embracing a Clean Slate
With a new manager and a fresh start, Jones feels like he’s finally on equal footing with his teammates.
He acknowledges that while he’s always had self-belief, the change in management provides a new opportunity to prove himself.
Jones is focused on seizing this chance and is determined to be a key player for Liverpool.
Looking Ahead with England
Jones’s ambitions extend beyond Liverpool.
He was recently part of England’s preliminary squad for the Euros and is eager to make his mark on the national team.
Despite some injury setbacks, Jones remains optimistic about his future with England and is determined to improve and contribute more consistently.
In summary, Curtis Jones is embracing a new era at Liverpool with enthusiasm and determination.
With a fresh start under Arne Slot and a commitment to personal and team growth, he’s poised to make a significant impact both at club and international levels.