Former Liverpool star confirms reason for new club selection

Former Liverpool star confirms reason for new club selection Curtis Jones challenges Serie A stereotype and explains Liverpool similarity at Inter Curtis Jones has found something familiar in Italian football: opponents determined to deny his team space. For the former Liverpool midfielder, that is a more useful explanation of Serie A’s tempo than the suggestion that it offers an easier challenge. Now at Inter Milan, the 25-year-old has questioned the assumption that slower passages of play indicate a lower standard. His argument is rooted in experience at two clubs accustomed to facing teams prepared to defend deep. Speaking to DAZN, in comments carried by PA and ESPN, Jones explained that his new surroundings have brought reminders of Liverpool both on the pitch and in the relationship between players and supporters. Photo IMAGO Curtis Jones explains why matches can feel slower “From the outside, everyone thinks that Serie A is a slower league and that the level is not that high. I only partially agree,” Jones said. His qualification matters. He acknowledged the perception of a different pace, but offered a tactical reason for how matches unfold. “The games are slower because of the way opponents face us. At Liverpool, it was exactly the same.” For Jones, the approach of the opposition shapes the contest. A team that retreats rather than presses changes where space is available and how the side in possession must attempt to create chances. His comments therefore challenge the idea that tempo alone provides a reliable measure of difficulty. Having time on the ball does not necessarily mean having room to do something decisive with it. Liverpool experience provides familiar tactical challenge Jones expanded on the comparison by recalling the defensive approach Liverpool regularly encountered. “Being one of the strongest teams in the league, opponents rarely came to press us, but they made everything more difficult with a low block.” That presents a different problem from playing through an aggressive press. The team in possession must find openings against opponents who have prioritised protecting the space close to their own goal. Jones sees that as a consequence of playing for a leading club, rather than a characteristic unique to Italy. “If you are the strongest team, with the best players, this is what the opponents will do. In Italy as in England.” The comparison is specific. He is describing a recurring tactical experience, rather than claiming that every feature of the two leagues is identical. It also explains why aspects of his adjustment at Inter have felt familiar despite the change of country. Inter supporters remind Jones of Liverpool bond The connection extends beyond how opponents defend. Jones also recognised a relationship between Inter and their supporters that reminded him of home. “When we played against Inter in the Champions League, I immediately noticed the connection between players and fans,” he said. “I and Liverpool have always had this kind of special bond with the fans, our 12th man on the pitch.” According to the PA report published by ESPN, Jones has quickly become popular with Inter supporters. A video circulating on social media showed a coachload of fans wearing masks of his face and singing his name. For a player closely associated with Liverpool and his home city, that welcome offers another source of familiarity. “I think for those who love Inter the same thing applies so it was an easy choice,” he said of joining the club. Italian challenge brings fresh demands for midfielder Jones moved to the Italian champions in the summer and, according to the report, has adapted well. His comments suggest that recognising familiar challenges has helped him make sense of the new environment. Inter nevertheless have immediate concerns as they prepare to face Fiorentina. Wing-back Luis Henrique has suffered an adductor strain, with the Brazilian expected to remain unavailable until after the next international break. That setback follows his substitute appearance in the Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk and creates another selection consideration for the league leaders. For Jones, the broader message is that moving to Italy has not removed the demands associated with representing a leading side. Breaking down defensive opponents and responding to passionate support remain central parts of the job. The setting has changed. Much of what is required feels recognisable.