Martin understands Liverpool frustration but he says “I pick the team”

Russell Martin admits that he understands Liverpool may not be overly happy with Rhys Williams’ lack of game time in Swansea but sent a clear message to them by saying that “I pick the team”

Reports surfaced at the weekend that Liverpool were considering a recall of Williams from his loan spell due to a lack of time on the pitch at Swansea during a loan spell.   It was reported that there were financial implications for the Swans if Williams didn’t play a certain number of games and that Liverpool wanted him to experience first team football following some impressive displays for the first team at Anfield last season.

Russell Martin though was clear as to why Williams was not getting game time here in South Wales and sent a clear message back to the North West that his job here is to pick the best team available to him.

“I don’t think they’ll be overly happy he’s not involved, but we have to what’s right for our football team and our club,” admitted the Swans boss via Wales Online.

“I think they understand what’s gone on. We’ve been really supportive of Rhys during a tough period, but he’s come through it brilliantly.

“He started in the team then had a little injury. The guys at Liverpool understand, they’ve been down to watch him train, they really enjoyed the environment and how hard he’s working.

“There are some bits I feel he’s improved on. We spend a lot of time with the young guys to help them, and he’s embracing the work and putting everything into it and that’s all we can ask.

“He’s come out of the team when he had a really tough period, and since then the guys have kept so many clean sheets and played so well.

“Ryan Bennett has been exceptional. Ryan Manning has been so important for us and Naughts is Naughts, he goes understated. His level of consistency is outrageous for the position he’s playing in.

“Rhys understands that and I’m honest with the guys. We had another conversation last week about his position, and I think he understands, whatever happens, he’ll go back to Liverpool better for this.”