Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson’s honeymoon is well and truly over after the club’s young French defender Chris Mavinga accused the Anfield boss of favouring English players and stopping his development in football by avoiding picking him for the first team nor allowing him to leave for other clubs.
Mavinga has just enjoyed a triumphant Under 19 European Championship as he helped his country to the title, but the former Paris Saint Germain defender was disappointed not to have been selected by Hodgson to feature for the first team.
The left back has been told to continue training with the reserves and told France Football that the days for foreign players at Anfield are numbered.
“I was disappointed [not to feature in first team]. I thought that with this success [European under-19 Championship] and what I produced on the training ground I would have the opportunity to train with the first team and play bits of games.” Mavinga said.
“Roy Hodgson, who replaced Rafael Benitez, is changing the organization of the club as he tries to encourage English players against foreigners, unlike the predecessor.
“He clearly stated he wanted to remake Liverpool as an English club. It is a choice I must respect.”
Mavinga also revealed that his request to make a loan move or be sold to another club were also turned down by Liverpool, but still hopes to find a new club during the winter transfer window in January.
“[There is interest] In France and England. But it is difficult given the market situation,” Mavinga added.
“In addition, Liverpool is not keen to lend me [to another club]. If I’m not leaving this summer, I hope I can do it in January, if my situation does not change by then.
“What is certain is that I never should lower my aims. I will not stop working even if I stay with the reserves.
“I want to reach a good level and go after things.”
Tags: Chris Mavinga, English Premier League, football managers, Liverpool, Manchester City, Roy Hodgson, transfer news
