Andy Robertson is excited for a new challenge under Liverpool boss Arne Slot and has urged Reds fans to be open minded.
Former Feyenoord manager Slot officially succeeded Jurgen Klopp at the beginning of this month following the German’s emotional farewell.
Robertson was a key figure in Klopp’s hugely successful nine-year reign but is keen to move forward.
“I haven’t spoken to [Slot] yet,” said the full-back, who is preparing for Scotland’s European Championship campaign, to Sky Sports.
“I think he’s leaving us to focus on the Euros.
“It’s an exciting new challenge. Obviously the old era was pretty special and I’ve got a lot to be thankful for for that manager but obviously excited now by the new manager coming in – new ideas, new voice – and I’m really excited for what can come with that.
“I’ve got no doubts we can keep that momentum going. From all the reports we’ve had, the manager’s very good and I can’t wait to see that up close.”
Succeeding such a successful and popular figure will be a huge challenge for 45-year-old Dutchman Slot.
Klopp ended his farewell speech at Anfield by leading the crowd in a chant of Slot’s name, and Robertson said: “For the fans, you have to be open minded.
“The last eight, nine years were pretty special. Maybe they’re going a bit into the unknown but it has to be exciting; the squad’s in a good place, we had a good season last season.
“Yes it could have been more but the aim at the start of the season was to get back in the Champions League and we ended up with a trophy as well. You have to take that as a positive.
“[Klopp] has left the club in a really good place so now we have to carry it forward. The manager will come in and he’ll recruit a really good squad, and I’m sure he’ll want to bring in some new faces as well.
“We have to go again. We showed for large parts of last season we could challenge for the league and that has to be the aim.
“The manager has won trophies before and he’ll want that feeling again. We’ve got to be at our best to try and achieve that.”
“Still good times to come”
It will also be a period of adjustment for the players, but Robertson is determined to leave the reflections for another day.
“When I’m old and retired, I’ll look back on fond memories and so many good times, and it wouldn’t have been possible without [Klopp],” said the Scot.
“But hopefully there’s still good times to come with club and country.
“I’m very appreciative for what he did for me, for my family, for the whole club, and obviously he made our dreams possible.”