Liverpool defender Alberto Moreno has revealed his relationship with club manager Jurgen Klopp was “strange” throughout the majority of last season.
The 25-year-old endured his worst campaign during his three years on Merseyside last season in terms of game time, only making a total of 18 appearances in all competitions.
Teammate James Milner was deployed in the left full-back role last season despite being a midfielder whilst Moreno watched on from the sidelines.
The Spaniard is renowned for his ability to offer an attacking threat from defence but as a result of his time spent on the bench, he only managed to contribute with one assist last season.
Even though the Reds have invested signed full-back Andrew Robertson this summer, Moreno has managed to impress his boss and he is enjoying a better campaign at Anfield this time around.
The full-back has featured in 15 matches with the first-team already this season, contributing with a total of three assists in all competitions.
Speaking to Spanish publication Marca, Moreno admitted that his relationship with Klopp was strained during the previous campaign.
“It has been strange,” he said.
“He arrived and I played every game, then at the start of the next season I disappeared.
“When I saw James Milner, a right footed midfielder, at left-back I knew something was happening.
“He did not give me any explanations.”
“It is a totally different relationship. He even speaks to me in Spanish sometimes.
“He’s helping me a lot and I think it shows. I’m a more mature player with better defensive awareness.”
OPINION
From an outsider looking at Moreno’s situation at Anfield last season, it is no surprise to hear the defender’s revelations about his relationship with Klopp. With his lack of minutes during the previous campaign, many would have predicted the Spaniard to leave Merseyside in search of a regular starting place. However, Moreno deserves a lot of credit for turning around his career in England and managing to convince Klopp that he can trusted this season. As a result of his improved displays, Moreno has been selected to represent the Spain national team and if he manages to continue his form, he is likely to make squad to travel to Russia for next year’s World Cup.