Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp offers an update regarding the contract situation of James Milner
In his programme notes for the fixture against Leeds United (h/t Liverpool Echo), Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp gave us further insight into the contract situation of veteran midfielder James Milner.
The 36-year-old midfielder has been an integral part of our setup ever since joining the Reds from Manchester City in 2015. Despite his age, he has been one of the hardest workers in the middle of the pitch and his versatility has proven to be a great asset on numerous occasions.
Milner’s current contract with the club expires at the end of the season. The former Borussia Dortmund manager admitted that there were talks in place regarding an extension, but it wasn’t right to assume that an offer had already been made.
In his notes (h/t Liverpool Echo), Klopp insisted that jumping the gun or making any assumption would not be fair to James at this point.
“I spoke recently about ‘talks’ taking place to extend his [James Milner] stay with us and I thought it might make sense to use this platform to clarify that as I’ve seen some misleading reporting around it. The level he is at, physically, technically, and in terms of personal desire and hunger for more, means he should play on for as long as that lasts. I hope it will be here and that is what I have told those at the club who take on these tasks. It’s not fair or right to then jump to the conclusion that an offer has been made, because I don’t think that’s fair on James”
James Milner and his importance to this Liverpool side
The English professional footballer has played 276 games across all competitions for the Reds during which time he has bagged 26 goals and provided 44 assists. The former Newcastle United midfielder brings a lot of versatility to the team and has been used as a dependable backup option in the wing-back role on several occasions.
Milner has seen a considerable decrease in his playing time at Anfield this season but his professionalism and commitment towards the teams don’t seem to be affected by it. The 54-year-old manager has stated his willingness to keep him at the club past his current deal.
The former Aston Villa player has defied the odds to still play in the top tier of English football for such a prolonged period of time. His professionalism in the dressing room could also have a great impact on upcoming young midfielders in our ranks such as Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliot.
It would be interesting to see whether the Anfield outfit would be willing to offer the experienced English midfielder a new contract considering his age and diminished role in the team.
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Despite these developments, James Milner has played a pivotal part in the setup at Liverpool helping the team achieve success throughout England and Europe. Only time can tell whether or not, the 36-year-old will stay at the club post the current campaign. Hopefully, the veteran player will be able to get his hands on more silverware before he bids adieu to his playing days at Anfield.
