Andy Robertson: Defending His Turf at Liverpool
In the world of football, where every move is scrutinized and every performance dissected, Andy Robertson finds himself at the center of a storm of criticism. Yet, the Liverpool left-back remains unfazed, brushing off the naysayers with the confidence of a seasoned pro. Despite the swirling rumors linking Liverpool with “pretty much every left-back in the world,” Robertson insists that his time at Anfield is far from over.
Robertson’s journey this season has been anything but smooth. The 31-year-old has struggled to replicate the consistently high levels he achieved under Jürgen Klopp, largely due to an ankle ligament injury that disrupted his preseason. This setback left him playing catch-up, and his performances in the first half of the season reflected that struggle.
One particularly tough moment came during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal in October. Robertson was at fault for Bukayo Saka’s opening goal, a mistake that led to his withdrawal shortly after the hour mark at the Emirates. Following this, he found himself on the bench for subsequent wins over Brighton & Hove Albion and Bayer Leverkusen. It was a challenging period for the Scotland captain, who admitted he felt “written off” after that disappointing display.
However, Robertson’s resilience has seen him regain his regular place in Arne Slot’s starting XI, becoming a near ever-present since November. Speaking at a news conference ahead of Scotland’s Nations League playoff against Greece, Robertson addressed the speculation surrounding his future at Liverpool.
“I think we’ve been linked with pretty much every left-back in the world,” Robertson said. “That comes with playing with one of the greatest clubs in the world. I look back on these eight years I’ve had as the starting left-back at that club and I feel a lot of pride.”
He continued, “Your time comes and I don’t think it’s my time yet but even if we do bring someone in, then so be it. I’ll always back myself.”
Robertson acknowledged that this season hasn’t been without its challenges. “Sure, this season there have been a couple of moments when I haven’t covered myself in glory but some things have been taken way out of proportion,” he said. “I think the performance levels have been there for me. I think I’ve had a relatively good season but one thing people will say about me is that I’ve been pretty consistent, so when you make a couple of mistakes, then people can talk.”
He added, “That’s the world we live in, that’s the Premier League. Everyone has eyes on you, everyone has an opinion. It is what it is but I’m always confident in my ability. I’ve shown that right throughout my career but especially during my time at Liverpool.”
The international break has provided Robertson with a welcome respite from club football, following a challenging two-week spell for Liverpool. The team was knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain and suffered a defeat to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final. Despite these setbacks, Robertson finds solace in joining up with the national team.
“It’s part and parcel of football. It probably wasn’t one of our best weeks in football, though thankfully we’ve had plenty of good weeks this season,” Robertson reflected. “For many reasons, last week wasn’t meant to be. But it’s always great to meet up with the Scotland lads, always an honour, always good to see fresh faces and take a break from a really intense time at Liverpool.”
He concluded, “It’s been nice, it’s made it easier to get over the disappointment.”
- Robertson’s resilience and confidence in his abilities remain unwavering.
- Despite criticism, he continues to be a key player for Liverpool and Scotland.
- The international break offers a chance to reset and refocus.
As the season progresses, Robertson’s determination to prove his critics wrong will undoubtedly be a storyline to watch. His journey is a testament to the resilience required to thrive at the highest level of football.
Originally Written by: ESPN
