“I can’t keep pretending everything is fine. I can’t stay here after Jurgen Klopp’s departure; I need to move on,” declared an ‘exceptional’ Liverpool player, currently not in first-team training under Arne Slot and expected to exit the club.

Over the past two weeks, Arne Slot has been fully immersed in training with his Liverpool squad, using the time to assess his players and their potential. With several key figures still recovering from their international duties, Slot has been able to closely evaluate some of the less prominent members of the team, giving them an opportunity to prove themselves. One player who has stood out to Slot is young defender Sepp van den Berg, who is eager to showcase his ability under new management. Meanwhile, Curtis Jones has highlighted the return of Kaide Gordon to first-team training, expressing excitement about the young talent’s potential contributions to the squad.

As Slot prepares for Liverpool’s upcoming tour of America, his squad preferences are starting to take shape. One notable absentee from first-team training is Rhys Williams, which suggests his future at Liverpool may be uncertain. For players like van den Berg, however, this managerial transition could offer more playing time and opportunities than they had under Jurgen Klopp. While some players may find a new lease on their Liverpool careers, others, like Rhys Williams, could face an uncertain future at the club.

Fabio Carvalho, who is reportedly close to a move away from Liverpool, still has a chance to impress Slot and secure a place in the squad. On the other hand, center-backs Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams, despite being beloved by fans for their contributions during the injury-ravaged 2020/21 season, may be facing the end of their Liverpool tenure under Slot’s management. Reports from the Liverpool ECHO suggest that Phillips and Williams could be on their way out this summer, with Williams’ position appearing particularly vulnerable due to his absence from first-team training.

As pre-season continues, Slot’s decisions will give a clearer picture of the squad’s future direction, with players like Williams potentially needing to seek new opportunities elsewhere. At 23, Williams faces a pivotal moment in his career, having experienced several loan spells at clubs like Swansea, Blackpool, Aberdeen, and Port Vale. These experiences highlight the importance of finding a stable environment to rediscover his form and regular playing time.

As Slot evaluates his squad, the fate of players like Williams becomes clearer. While some players have a chance to impress and secure a spot in the team, others, like Williams, may have to move on in search of new opportunities to reignite their careers.