Jurgen Klopp’s tenure at Liverpool saw many tough decisions, and former academy star Connor Randall experienced this firsthand.

During a 2017 FA Cup fourth-round match against Wolves, Klopp’s decision left Randall feeling “embarrassed” and “ashamed.” While players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harvey Elliott flourished, others, including Randall, faced difficulties. Liverpool trailed 2-0 at halftime and, despite Divock Origi’s late goal, were eliminated. Klopp faced heavy criticism for the loss, but the impact was particularly harsh on Randall, who was substituted at halftime.

Reflecting on this during the Football Journeys Podcast, Randall, now 28, said, “I remember it clearly—going into the changing room and being taken off. I stood in the shower, the game was on in the changing room, and I felt ashamed and embarrassed, like I was letting everyone down. My mates and family were there, but I just went straight to the car, putting my hood up and hiding. I just wanted to go home and stay there.”

He added, “It was tough. Not just in football; I probably took it outside of football too. The biggest emotion was feeling half-ashamed, not wanting to go places for fear of being seen as ‘that terrible player.'”

According to the Liverpool Echo, Randall did not return to the starting eleven after that match. He was loaned to Hearts for a season, followed by a six-month stint at Rochdale. After leaving Liverpool in July 2019, he spent three months without a club before signing with Bulgarian side Arda Kardzhali. His time there was short-lived, and he eventually moved to Ross County, where he continues to play.