Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Jurgen Klopp reveals what surprised him most as ‘natural force’ stakes claim in Liverpool thrashing of Milan

Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool seen during a training session before the UEFA Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Stade de France in Paris

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp

Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for his young players as Liverpool took care of AC Milan 4-1 in the Dubai Super Cup on Thursday.

The Reds have been enjoying some warm-weather training in the UAE in preparation for the resumption of domestic action. Most clubs will be back in action on Boxing Day. But the Merseysiders have a pre-Christmas date with Manchester City in round four of the EFL Cup next Thursday.

And they warmed up for that Etihad clash with a comprehensive victory over the Serie A giants.

Mohamed Salah and Thiago Alcantara were both on the score sheet while Darwin Nunez claimed a brace.

Klopp was delighted with he result. But the German tactician was not entirely satisfied with the 90-minute display.

“It was a really good game,” he told reporters, via The Echo. “There was one situation which I didn’t like. That was when we conceded the goal because it was directly after a drinks break.

“With the system they played, we avoided pretty much or denied all the switches. In that moment, we didn’t deny the switch and then it was difficult and they could score.”

And the former Borussia Dortmund chief confessed that Milan’s tactics had caught him slightly off guard.

“I liked how our midfield was connected, I liked our build-up because they surprised us a little bit with the system,” he added.

“I’m not sure they played it very often but because of their problems what they have with injuries they changed.”

Klopp stoked by Liverpool youngsters

Liverpool had a few senior stars on display but were always going to field a number of young players.

Stefan Bajcetic, 18, put on an excellent display. And 17-year-old duo Ben Doak and Bobby Clark were also outstanding during their time on the pitch, each assisting Nunez’s goals.

The cupboard seems well stocked with emerging talent. And Klopp acknowledged just what a contribution the stars of tomorrow had made.

“Of course, when you bring on the kids in the second half and you see the pass from Bobby Clark and the whole performance from Stefan, the performance from Mel [Frauendorf] as a right full-back and then Ben Doak comes on, 17 years old, and is this kind of natural force, it’s really cool to see,” he continued.

“In these 10 days the kids especially, everybody made a real step forward. That’s why these things are so important, that we can involve them.”

Klopp included 13 academy players in his squad for the Middle East trip. Doak, Bajcetic and Clark were the standout trio of youth stars against Milan.

And Klopp hopes their maturity under pressure will rub off on their team-mates.

“It’s absolutely cool,” he said. “I’m not sure the Academy could watch the game tonight but when you see these boys and performing in a game like this, it’s cool.

“It’s a real physical game, adult football is a physical game and the boys need to make these steps so they can get ready for it step by step.”

The Anfield giants will resume their Premier League campaign in sixth spot in the standings.

A trip to the West Midlands to take on Aston Villa is first on the agenda on December 26.

And on Friday, December 30, Leicester are the visitors as the quest for a top-four berth continues.

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