22-year-old Morton: I left Liverpool because I wanted to play. Lyon is very suitable for me.

In an exclusive interview, 22-year-old Lyon midfielder and former Liverpool player Taylor Morton discussed in detail the "difficult" process of leaving Liverpool, trust issues with coach Slott, Xabi Alonso's personal call to sign him, and his excellent start in Lyon.

How do you feel about leaving Liverpool, where you have played for 17 years?

When I arrived in Lyon, emotions were definitely welling up. I understand that’s what football is like. I have to get away to bring out the best in myself.

Last summer, Xavi Alonso personally called you to invite you to join Leverkusen. Can you share that story?

This is an interesting story. I was playing golf with my friends. My agent texted and said: "Xabi Alonso will call you soon". I had heard about the possibility of a move before but didn't talk about it much because I was told I wouldn't be leaving Liverpool. I just hit a nice long shot and was about to hit my first par of the day (laughs). I had to give up, but it was definitely worth it!

What was the content of that call?

He (Alonso) told me how highly he thought of me as a player. They wanted to sign me.

Then why didn’t it happen in the end?

Leverkusen came quite late that summer, but I spoke to the coach (Slaughter) about it and Liverpool wanted me to stay. I've spoken to my agent and we're both pushing for a transfer, but it's difficult. Liverpool told me I couldn't leave, which was fair enough, but if you want to play you have to go for it. I asked the coach. He was very honest with me and said he would keep me on the team. Nothing could change his mind. He needs me on the team as a backup.

What do you think was the reason for the lack of opportunities last season?

I think Slaughter thinks I'm a good player, but I don't think that trust is that great. In my opinion, the limited opportunities are due to a trust issue, not a competency issue. When I got my chance in the cup, I felt like I was playing well. I persevered, stayed focused, made it to the end of the season and then went to the U21 European Championship, which was a great feeling.

How do you deal with not being able to play?

I personally don't agree with the limited playing time I got last season, but that's beyond my control. I tried my best. I played for the U21 team when a lot of players didn't want to. I did everything I could to stay physically healthy and mentally focused for when the time came, but I still only got limited opportunities. I had a few conversations with him (Slaughter) during the season. A lot of footballers resent not playing and let their ego get the better of them, but I'm not that type of person.

You mentioned frustration, especially in the Champions League game against PSV. What happened then?

I just want to play. I don’t think I’m asking for too much, even if it’s coming off the bench in the Premier League...any opportunity, to be honest. I think that game in PSV, I had to be completely calm and it was difficult. That was an inconsequential game. They had already advanced and I didn't start. That's when pure frustration set in.

Have you communicated with the coach about this matter?

I understand what happened. I had agreed to have surgery a few weeks after the PSV game, but I fought through the injury to get a chance to play in the Champions League. The coach and I had an honest conversation. He wasn't going to play me against PSV because I was going to have surgery afterwards. It would be best for him to bring in someone who is going to take my place. That's what he did, fair enough. I accepted it calmly.

How did the final move to Lyon come about?

I was in Japan at the time. After not playing much football last season, the club respected what was going to happen. Liverpool have been very good to me. I don't know if that's what they're saying: "Thank you for everything, go enjoy your football." Maybe it's a gesture of humility.

My agent called and said: "Lyon wants to buy you." Leon is very serious. Coach Fonseca and I were on the phone for two or three minutes. I asked the obvious questions. He wanted me very much and said I would play right away. As soon as I landed in Japan, I was calling my agent every minute, trying to push for this transfer because it was a great opportunity for me.

How did you say goodbye to your teammates on the day you left?

The players were very good to me last season. Those were not easy days. They had to make fun of me to keep me awake. It's hard to come to training every day and stay on track when your mentality is broken. I’m sure you can guess who it was: Robertson, Kelleher, guys, they all kept me sane. It's nice to leave on a good note.

To what do you attribute your excellent form at Lyon?

Hungry. I've always believed in myself and had confidence in my abilities and what I could do on the field, but I think that comes from understanding what it's like to play without the ball. Going through a season like 2024-25 can be tough mentally, but I look at it in a positive way.

I think if that's what it's like not to play, then I want to get regular playing time every week. I attribute it to that and Lyon is a perfect fit for me. We are a real technical team that plays good football. This is an amazing club.

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