Hasn’t been “easy”: Liverpool star shares his struggles under Arne Slot

Liverpool are currently one of the best clubs in Europe with the Reds currently on top of the Premier League and UEFA Champions League table.

However, the likes of Jarell Quansah has played limited role in Liverpool’s season so far and the 21-year-old defender admits this season hasn’t been “easy” but he is fighting to make sure it is a learning curve for him.

Quansah has had a battle for first-team action this term after his breakthrough campaign under Jurgen Klopp. He started the first Premier League game under Arne Slot but was substituted at half-time against Ipswich.

He has since started just one league game with three appearances from the bench while he made his first Champions League starting XI earlier this week against Lille.

Jarell Quansah looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Liverpool FC and LOSC Lille (Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images)

“Every game is a learning process for myself,” said Quansah. “I am not getting too down if I make a mistake or two. I just know I need to learn. It is going to be a long career for myself hopefully.

“Try to keep level, don’t let the highs be too high and don’t get too low with the lows. “Temperament is the most important thing for me or a young centre back. Learn off the players around me.”

With Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez ahead of him in the pecking order, Quansah has spent more time on the bench than on the pitch.

“I am not going to sit here and say it’s easy,” he said. “It is always tough. But it is all about how you prepare, putting yourself in the best mindframe and physical condition. It is not easy when you are not in the team but you need to do everything you can for the team. Keep pushing.”

But the young defender is well aware he’s still very early in his career and there is no need to panic just because he hasn’t had the game time he wants so far this season.

“I have not changed anything,” he said. “I am always looking at my game whether I play good or bad. I am not going to be the finished article yet. I am my harshest critic, I have always said that. But whether I play good or bad, I will criticise myself. When I play my best games, that is probably when I have been the harshest on myself.”