Greece boss Gus Poyet explains why Kostas Tsimikas’ Liverpool career is a success… despite playing behind Robertson
GREECE manager Gus Poyet praised Kostas Tsimikas’ impact at Liverpool, even though he plays second fiddle to Andy Robertson.
Tsimikas joined the Reds in 2020 for £12million after two stunning seasons at Olympiacos as he stood out for the Greek giants in the Champions League and Europa League.
But the left-back was signed as an alternate to Robertson, who has been prolific at Anfield as he helped the Merseysiders win the Champions League four years ago and the Premier League in 2021.
The Greece international has since had to accept a supporting role that mostly sees him start when the Scotsman is unavailable or as part of a rotated side.
However, the 26-year-old has still managed to shine as he has taken full advantage of his rare opportunities and won over the crowd, who nicknamed him “Greek Scouser”.
The Greek ace also scored the winning penalty in the FA Cup Final against Chelsea last season, which sealed a domestic Double.
Poyet doesn’t mind Tsimikas playing second string at the Kop and insists that doesn’t affect his place in the Greek national team ahead of tough Euro 2024 qualifiers against France and the Netherlands.
The Chelsea legend is happy with the way the defender has repeatedly shown to manager Jurgen Klopp he is constantly ready to successfully fill in at the left when Robertson is unavailable.
The Uruguayan tactician believes his player proved his point last week against Wolves when he played for 90 minutes and provided an assist for Mohamed Salah’s winner.
That is why the ex-Tottenham star doesn’t think there is any necessity to look for another team that will give him more chances of minutes and consistency at top level.
Poyet told SunSport: “I’m in constant contact with Tsimi, I visited Liverpool last month. I went to watch one of the games [and] I went to talk to Tsimikas personally.
“I was with Klopp, who is outstanding with Tsimikas, and explained the situation. So everything is clear.
“I think Tsimi knows his position at Liverpool, he knows he’s competing with a very good left-back and right now Robertson is on fire.
“So Tsimi as a top professional he is, he showed it the other day when he played 90 minutes without any problems, he’s always ready.
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“When something happens or Robertson drops a little bit or he has another opportunity [then] he can do what he did the other day.
“He can provide an assist and be a player that the manager can count on and be part of an incredible team that is Liverpool.
“That’s personal – if he wants to leave or not. That is up to the player to decide.
“For me – for us, for Greece – having a player at Liverpool and being able to play at that level is massive. So we are always waiting for him to come and help us to win.”