January 30th 2025.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot was full of praise for young midfielder James McConnell after their Champions League defeat against PSV. Despite the loss, Slot was impressed by McConnell's performance and has decided to keep him with the first team for the rest of the season, rather than sending him out on loan.
The Reds had already secured their spot in the next round of the competition, so Slot took the opportunity to field a much-changed team. This gave some of the younger players a chance to shine, including 20-year-old McConnell who made his Champions League debut and played the entire match.
Slot was pleased with what he saw from the prospect, who was signed from Sunderland in 2019. He has been impressed with McConnell's competitiveness in training and was not surprised by his performance at this high level. In fact, Slot has already made up his mind that McConnell will not be going on loan this season.
When asked about potential departures before the transfer window closes, Slot said he will discuss it with sporting director Richard Hughes, but McConnell is not one of the players that will be leaving. Slot believes that McConnell's injury last season has hindered his playing time, but he showed great potential in his performance against PSV.
Although McConnell made his Premier League debut under former manager Jurgen Klopp, he is yet to make an appearance in the league under Slot. However, he has played in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup this season and will be hoping for more opportunities after his impressive display in Eindhoven.
With the Reds now safely into the last 16 of the Champions League, they can relax and wait for the draw for their next round on 21 February. The draw for the knockout play-offs, which will feature teams that finished 9-24 in the group stage, will take place on 31 January.
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