Fabio Carvalho has said that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp “didn’t give” him any advice before his loan move to RB Leipzig.
The 20-year-old joined the Bundesliga club on a season-long loan in June, and the Portuguese midfielder was keen for more playing time after falling out of favour at Anfield.
Speaking about whether Klopp gave him guidance over the move, he said: “I don’t really speak to him, so he didn’t give me any advice.
“I have to just learn as I go and I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I feel like that’s better anyway, for me to mature as a person and as a player.”
Carvalho made 21 appearances for Liverpool in 2022-23 but he found his opportunities limited in the second half of the season.
The last of his eight starts came against Wolves in the FA Cup in January.
Carvalho also gave his take on players moving to Saudi Arabia, with some of his Liverpool team-mates in contention to make the switch.
The Athletic reported last week that captain Jordan Henderson has completed his medical ahead of his proposed £12million ($15.4 million) move to Steven Gerrard’s Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ettifaq.
Fellow midfielder Fabinho is also expected to move to Saudi Arabia. Talks have taken place over the structure of the deal after Al Ittihad tabled a bid of £40m last week.
“Whatever they want to do, they will do,” Carvalho said. “I’ll definitely watch it. Superstars are going there and I’m sure the league will get better and better.”
RB Leipzig next play this Tuesday in a pre-season friendly against Udinese.
Why did Carvalho struggle for minutes at Liverpool?
Analysis by Caoimhe O’Neill
Like Harvey Elliott — a close friend of Carvalho’s since their time at school together — there was a question mark around Carvalho’s defensive discipline. He is an attack-minded adventurer best used in creative capacities. But the importance of tracking back, pressing and turning over possession remains vital to their team.
At Fulham, Carvalho was a playmaking No 10, a position he thrived in under Marco Silva. However, given Liverpool’s usual formation doesn’t allow for a roaming playmaker, Carvalho was preferred on the left of midfield or attack. But picking up minutes in those positions has proven difficult.
Pep Lijnders said last season: “He’s a player who feels really comfortable between the lines, who has all the skills to break the last line with all different ways: with a dribble, with a pass, with a combination. So safe on the ball in these moments. Always with the goal in mind. That’s the mentality and attitude we search for him as well. So we’re really happy with him, he’s a real prospect.”
For now, though, Carvalho remains just that: a prospect. And one that must be patient.
GO DEEPER
Why is Fabio Carvalho not playing for Liverpool?
(Photo: Antonio Balasco/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)