Jurgen Klopp has compared his Liverpool youngsters to teenage darts sensation Luke Littler – while trying to ease the pressure on his young charges.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Liverpool youngsters thrive in first-teamKlopp compares them to darts' LittlerManager tries to protect young charges(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
On Sunday, Liverpool's academy players drew praise for how they inspired the Reds to a Carabao Cup final triumph over Chelsea at Wembley, before a youthful Reds side backed that up with a 3-0 win over Southampton in the FA Cup on Wednesday. That led manager Klopp to liken them to 17-year-old darts phenomenon Littler – who burst onto the scene late last year. However, the former Borussia Dortmund boss is keen to not overhype the youngsters.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT JURGEN KLOPP SAID
The German told reporters: "I know that they are not ready for it. Nobody is Luke Littler. What could disturb a career for a young prospect is always one part. It was wonderful them on that night [against Southampton], but now it's about dealing with the challenges coming up."
He added: “It is a little bit like the new darts sensation, it is fine for tonight. Tomorrow, leave the boys in the corner.”
GOAL AR / GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
At a time where Liverpool have been beset by injuries to key players, the emergence of this young crop of talent is a welcome distraction for Klopp. They will need all the help they can get if they want to achieve an historic quadruple in the German's last season in charge – with the Europa League, Premier League, and FA Cup still to play for.
WHAT NEXT?
Liverpool return to Premier League action on Saturday when they travel to lowly Nottingham Forest. They currently hold a one point advantage over defending champions Manchester City, whereas Arsenal are two points back in third.