Andy Robertson has offered a unique glimpse into Liverpool’s leadership group and why Mohamed Salah is yet to earn a place in it.
Jurgen Klopp introduced the idea of a leadership team back in 2018, when Virgil van Dijk was placed third in command behind skipper Jordan Henderson and veteran vice-captain James Milner. It has since doubled in size, with Robertson, Alisson and Trent Alexander-Arnold brought on board.
And while things haven’t exactly been going right on the pitch this season, the Scotland international has revealed standards are still being rigorously upheld off it. Robertson explained in great detail about the role Milner plays in keeping discipline - often hitting Liverpool stars in the pockets.
"Hendo and Millie make a lot of decisions," Robertson said during his appearance on the ‘We are Liverpool’ podcast. "For instance, like fines, Millie is the fine police, he is in charge. Since I have been here, he has been fined once and the place erupted!
"Some of the fines are expensive. If you forget your passport for an away trip, you're getting a lot of your wage taken off you. It's happened a few times, Sadio [Mane] was a big culprit for that and obviously it delays the plane and delays when we get there. We had to put a big fine in.
Robertson also lifted the curtain on how Diogo Jota became the club’s "horrible man", going above and beyond to ensure people were hit with sanctions. "There were a couple of silly ones in pre-season. In pre-season, because you're together for so long, people turn ruthless. Jota is a horrible man when it comes to the fines! He is there waiting for the clock," he continued.
"We have this argument that says the bus is meant to leave at 1pm, if you come at 15 seconds after one, are you late or are you not late? Me and Millie would say that's late. But some of the others aren't too happy with that, but other than that there are no real daft ones.
"When people are late for the bus, the bus all starts clapping and the lads hate it. It's double on matchdays, you don't want to be late then!"
Liverpool find themselves in ninth in the Premier League table and facing an uphill battle to secure Champions League football next season. But Robertson believes the combination of leaders within the dressing room is still the correct one.
Do Liverpool have the right players in leadership positions? Have your say in the comments!
The left-back claims that he helps the younger players in the squad, Henderson "can carry the team and look after everyone", Milner demands standards and "gives the rocket", whilst Van Dijk is the vocal leader on the pitch. And he suggested that Alexander-Arnold, who is only 24, is a shining example to the next generation.
One player not within the group is Salah, despite his lofty standing amongst team-mates. The Egyptian previously admitted that he has been "very disappointed" to not be named captain on occasion, but Robertson insists that regardless of title, he is still a leader.
Asked which other players would like to be included, Robertson said: "Maybe Mo, but Mo is the leader of his country. That's the benefit, we have so many captains. We have international captains, and Mo is one of the biggest leaders in our changing room without being in the leadership group. He helps us all. He sets standards by being one of the best players in the world."
