Liverpool embarked on something of a mass clear-out this summer as they made way for the next phase of the Arne Slot era.
The Reds shipped 12 players out either on loan or via permanent transfers, with Slot really putting his own stamp on the squad.
Despite the quantity of players leaving, there were few surprises regarding those who called time on their Liverpool careers.
One of those whose exit had been in the pipeline for a little while was Kostas Tsimikas, who had been demoted to third-choice left-back following the arrival of Milos Kerkez.
Many Liverpool supporters would have been expecting Tsimikas to leave all summer, and he eventually joined Roma on loan on the penultimate day of the window.
Although it was not a surprise to see the Greek go, his former international manager Gus Poyet has admitted to being completely taken aback by the transfer.
Kostas Tsimikas was ‘happy at Liverpool’
Tsimikas has been a very capable player for Liverpool. He may never have overthrown Andy Robertson to become first-choice, but he was dependable throughout his five years in red.
The 29-year-old was also a terrific character to have around the Liverpool squad. And according to Poyet, Tsimikas really was happy at Anfield.
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“Yes, Tsimikas’ move to Roma surprised me, because he was very happy at Liverpool,” the former Chelsea player told Italian outlet Tele Radio Stereo.
“But perhaps the rotation and not playing so often had an impact. We talked about it in the national team, when I was coaching Greece, as soon as he signed his contract renewal with the Reds. I imagine Roma will have convinced him, perhaps by speaking to the coach; it would be really interesting to understand how the Giallorossi changed his mind.”
Poyet also suggested that Roma’s system might actually suit Tsimikas more than playing for Liverpool.
“I haven’t followed Roma much, but from the information I’ve gathered, I know they play with three defenders,” he says. “The key issue is how much opportunity Tsimmy, as I call him, has to play all over the flank, as a full-back, having the freedom to participate and push forward because he knows he has a defender behind him ready to protect him.
“I think his characteristics are a good fit for that system, more than a back four.”
Gus Poyet backs Tsimikas to succeed at Roma
Having spent the past half-decade as a back-up with Liverpool, it will be fascinating to see whether Tsimikas is Gian Piero Gasperini’s first pick with Roma.
Poyet certainly seems to think he can be, predicting that the Liverpool loanee will thrive in the intense playing style of Gasperini.
“I think he’s perfect in terms of characteristics,” says the Uruguayan. “I remember Gasperini’s Atalanta when they came to Greece to play against Olympiacos: they made a great impression on me with their organization and ease of running.
“I think they chose Tsimikas not only for his international calibre, for his experience with Liverpool and the Greek national team, but also for Tsimikas’ typical characteristics, because he thrives in a very intense game.”
With Robertson’s contract set to expire in a year’s time, there is a chance Tsimikas could still return and play for Liverpool next season. Let’s hope he can have a good year in Italy.
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