Harvey Elliott revealed he has had to suppress his anger at not getting more playing time for the good of the team this season. The Reds midfielder was the super-sub on Wednesday night, joining Alisson as the hero with an 87th-minute winner against PSG.
Elliott, 21, was euphoric after snatching the game and helping the Reds return to Anfield next week for the second leg with a slender advantage. The boyhood Liverpool supporter saluted the traveling fans when he reemerged for post-match interviews at Parc des Princes.
Despite his goal-scoring heroics, Elliott can't escape his frustrations this season. The midfielder had hoped this season under new manager Arne Slot would be his chance to get more time on the pitch. However, he played just seven minutes in the first three Premier League games and suffered a broken foot in training. Since then, he has managed only 69 minutes of action in the league and no starts. He has played 507 minutes in all competitions, a fraction of Mo Salah's 3,396 minutes.
"I'm still young; it's hard to understand in my head," said Elliott, who signed from Fulham in 2019. "So, there are moments within the season where I get angry and frustrated because I want to play. But at the same time, I need to respect the situation and the manager's decisions."
"Some games I'm needed, some games I'm not. That's just how football is. That's why I feel like we're in the position we are in this season so far because of his decisions. Tonight was another one of them where it worked in our favor. Luckily, I was the chosen one to come in and get the match winner."
Elliott has held talks with Slot about his playing time and what he needs to do to get on the pitch more. He started both FA Cup games, one League Cup game, and one European game so far.
"We've had conversations – very honest and open conversations," he said. "It's down to me to put in the work and show him everything he's told me. I'm trying to work on it, improve, and get in this team. At the same time, I feel like I can't get too angry and frustrated because, quite frankly, the team is doing amazing."
"It's a team game; it's not just about me. I need to make sure I'm ready in moments like tonight when I can contribute."
However, he admits it hasn't always been easy. "I think it's just about staying motivated and mentally right," he said. "But moments like tonight keep me motivated, and the hunger is still within me to go out and show what I can do."
Elliott scored within 47 seconds of coming on against PSG, making an instant impact. It was his third goal in Europe this term and could be his most important.
He insists the Reds' substitutes have to be ready to ensure they can help the side as they aim for glory in the Premier League, European Cup, and Carabao Cup. "We're all going to play our part; it's just about staying ready," he added.
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