Lazar Markovic insists Liverpool “should have believed more” in his abilities

Liverpool loanee Lazar Markovic believes he wasn’t given enough opportunities to impress at Anfield, while discussing his summer options.

Markovic joined the Reds from Benfica in a deal worth £20 million in 2014, but has spent just one season in the first team at Anfield.

He made 34 appearances in all competitions under Brendan Rodgers in 2014/15, but averaged just 55 minutes on the pitch per game, only playing the full 90 twice in the Premier League.

The Serbian has since spent loan spells away with Fenerbahce, Sporting CP and now Hull City, and Jurgen Klopp‘s willingness to sanction the latter move is indicative of his position.

And addressing his future at Liverpool, Markovic insisted the club sold him short.

“Liverpool spent money on me and I believe they should have believed more in my ability. Both Liverpool and the manager,” he said.

“I believed I should play more than I did. I got the chance to play more elsewhere. I have no problems with that.

“We don’t know what will happen yet, it depends on the Liverpool situation.

“I still have two years on my contract at Liverpool. We shall see.

“I enjoy playing in the Premier League and would like to stay in the Premier League.”

It can certainly be argued that Markovic did not get the rub of the green on Merseyside, with Rodgers regularly utilising him out of position as a wing-back.

This proved to be a troubling adjustment period for the winger, who arrived with a lofty reputation from his time in Serbia and Portugal.

Injuries have not aided his progress, while his application can be questioned, but now he is carving out a role at Hull, he can hope to fulfil his wish of remaining in England.

“When we talked the first time to try and convince Lazar to come here, I told he needs to play and he needs a coach to believe in him,” Tigers manager Marco Silva explained.

“We needed a player like him and we’ve given him time to win his confidence.

“He’s a very good professional, a boy who likes to work, but he needs confidence.

“When you look at the last year and a half before he came here, he didn’t play.

“At Fenerbache he didn’t play too much and then for six months at Sporting he didn’t play as well.

“Since he came here he’s needed 90 minutes in his legs and to gain confidence. At this moment he’s in a better condition and he’s playing better.”

Silva has nailed it with Markovic, who has found himself in limbo since joining Liverpool, sapping his confidence.

He remains a hugely talented young player, and while it is unlikely he will return under Klopp, he can still hope to seal a big-money move to Hull this summer.