Amoros blames Liverpool for 'sluggish' Marseille defender Caleta-Car | OneFootball

Liverpool are being blamed for the current form slump of Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car.

Caleta-Car was the subject of a €26m offer from Liverpool in January, but OM refused to do business. The defender has since admitted the proposal was tabled - but also insists there was no frustration being denied the switch to England.

Since then, the Croatia international's form has fallen away and OM great Manuel Amoros is convinced January has something to do with it.

He told L'Equipe via Le 10 Sport: "It disappoints me, he's sluggish, I saw him taking on a higher dimension.

"I find him wayward in terms of focus whereas it is one of his strong points.

"Maybe he was disappointed that he didn't sign with Liverpool this winter, but he needs to move on and not forget the club that is paying him, starting from this summer. Put him on the bench and let the competition play a little, that could allow him to refocus."

Caleta-Car has a deal with Olympique Marseille to 2023 and has managed 35 appearances for OM so far this season.

With Olympique Marseille, Amoros was part of an era regarded among the greatest in the club's history. He won three Ligue Une titles and also twice reached the Champions League final. He also earned over 80 caps and helped Les Bleus to win the 1984 European Championships.

- updated April 14