2.2 C
Cheshire
Monday, November 4, 2024

You can’t win anything with kids? Klopp hails Liverpool youngsters ahead of EFL Cup final

Jurgen Klopp believes the impact of Liverpool’s youngsters has made the Reds’ run to the EFL Cup final extra special.

Liverpool will face Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on Sunday for the first trophy of the English season, with Klopp’s team still in contention to end his final campaign in charge with four pieces of silverware.

They will do so without several key players including Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota, while Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez must be assessed after sustaining knocks.

Read our other football news stories here:
Lijnders takes the positives from Liverpool injury woes
Berbatov suggests Liverpool should target Tuchel if Alonso pursuit fails
Van Dijk says Klopp exit will be ‘very emotional’ but focus is on Chelsea

However, that may not be as much of a concern as it once was, with Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah and Caoimhin Kelleher among the academy prospects to stake a claim in recent weeks.

On the eve of Sunday’s final, Klopp reflected on the early years of his reign as he stressed the importance of having young players capable of providing extra depth.

“In the first season, we had a lot of games with Europa League group games and you have to rotate,” Klopp told Sky Sports.

“But where can you? You want to win the games but you need to rest players and give opportunities to others.

“We arrived here and played in all competitions. In the first season we had 63, 64 games, so all these young kids started immediately and we qualified for two finals.”

Liverpool were also in the hunt for a quadruple two years ago, and in that instance, they captured both domestic cups by beating Chelsea on penalties in the EFL Cup and FA Cup finals.

While Klopp believes Liverpool did a good job of creating competition via their recruitment in pre-season, he says it is extra special when an academy prospect breaks through.

“I want to have a team that’s really greedy on the competition,” says Klopp. “It makes sense that you bring in fresh legs and fresh minds as well who really want to go for that.

“Two years ago when we won both cups, it was really special. You cannot go to the final if you don’t use the boys. It’s not possible.

“Even when our fans would like to spend more money and do this and that, I’m pretty sure deep down they are really happy when we do it slightly differently.

“A club of our size, we’re still so happy when a kid is coming through. That’s pretty special. In an ideal world they’re born in West Derby or have purple bins their whole childhood!”

Harry Carr
Harry Carr
Harry is a freelance sports journalist with experience of working for the Racing Post, Stats Perform, Opta Analyst and more, covering major events across all sports but holding a particular love for the beautiful game.
spot_imgspot_img

Latest

NWVS invests £1 million in hi-tech MRI scanner

A specialist veterinary hospital in Runcorn has invested more...

Cheshire artists and galleries selected for Manchester Art Fair

Seven Cheshire artists and galleries have been chosen to...

Moment of calm: Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa

If you're looking to impress your partner for a...

“Atrocious” driver jailed following fatal collision in Northwich

A dangerous driver who killed an innocent man in...
spot_imgspot_img

Newsletter

Don't miss

Moment of calm: Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa

If you're looking to impress your partner for a...

CEL Solicitors reaches landmark recovery of £100 million for scam victims

A Liverpool law firm is celebrating after reaching the...

Rachel Reeves says budget will raise taxes by £40 billion

Chancellor Rachel Reeves says her budget will raise taxes...

“Atrocious” driver jailed following fatal collision in Northwich

A dangerous driver who killed an innocent man in...

More News

Verstappen ‘knows he did wrong’ in Mexico GP – Norris

McLaren’s Lando Norris has had his say about his on-track rivalry with Max Verstappen following last weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix, noting that Verstappen...

Formula 1: Hill slams Verstappen’s ‘silly driving’ after Mexico GP

Former world champion Damon Hill has likened Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to the Wacky Races villain Dick Dastardly, criticising his driving tactics during the...

Formula 1: Sainz takes pole at Mexico with Norris and Verstappen behind

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris will line up behind pole-sitter Carlos Sainz for Sunday’s Mexico City Grand Prix, with Verstappen starting in second and...