Le Tallec: I Made a Big Mistake

From the Official Site
Paul Eaton 03 February 2005

Anthony Le Tallec has reflected on his decision to spend the first half of the season in France and admitted: "I made a big mistake."

The 20 year old French midfielder is now back at Melwood after Liverpool agreed a deal with St Etienne to cut short his season long loan spell, but he accepts there could be a long road ahead before he's considered for first team football again at Anfield.

Le Tallec requested a loan move after failing to receive assurances from Rafa Benitez that he would play regular football for Liverpool this season. But after an unsuccessful and injury plagued six months abroad, he's now determined to justify Benitez's decision to give him a second chance on Merseyside.

Speaking to Liverpoolfc.tv, Le Tallec said: "I made a big mistake. I accept that. I wanted to go on loan because I wanted to play a full season of first team football and I thought I would get that in France.

"But things went wrong for me over there. The manager changed the system of play and I got an injury which kept me out for two months. It just didn't work out for me at all.

"Looking back now it was the wrong decision for me to have made. I should have stayed here and fought for my place. I'm young and I just wanted to play.

"When I heard that Liverpool wanted me back I was very happy. This is still my club and England is still the best league to play in. I thought I made the right decision at the start of the season but I always missed Liverpool and now that I'm back I want to do as well as I can."

After being disappointed with his midfielder's attitude in wanting first team guarantees at the start of the season, what has the Liverpool manager had to say since Le Tallec's return?

"He has been very honest with me," said Le Tallec. "He told me I must start training with the reserve players at Melwood and then if I do well I can train with the first team again. That's a normal situation and I accept that.

"It's up to me now. I have a point to prove and I want to show the manager I am good enough to be part of his first team plans. I believe I have the ability, I just have to work hard and play well in the reserves to prove myself.

"This is a different club now to what it was six months ago when I left. There are lots of new players here and I need to get to know them. I'm looking forward to the challenge which lies ahead of me now. Of course I want to play in the first team but I realise there are no guarantees at a club like this.

"I still have great confidence in my ability. I have never lost that and I do believe I can break into the first team squad before the end of the season. That is my aim now and I am more determined than ever to make it happen.

"I have taken over the number 13 shirt - hopefully it won't be unlucky for me!"