Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp sought to relieve the pressure on his young players by stating, “No one is Luke Littler.”
After Liverpool’s 3-0 FA Cup victory against Southampton on Wednesday, Klopp drew parallels between the contributions of his academy players and Luke Littler, who, at the age of 16, made it to the final of the World Darts Championship in January.
In the match, Lewis Koumas and Jayden Danns, both 18, found the net against the Saints.
“I don’t feel that, I know that,” said Klopp when asked if he had to protect his young players.
“You [the media] are all not ready to do it so somebody has to ask for it. Nobody is Luke Littler.
“What could disturb a career for a young prospect, [media attention] is always one part of it.
“It was wonderful, they deserve it, the spotlight was on them that night [against Southampton].
“You don’t live on the planet if you don’t see how special the story was but, besides that, the next challenge is now how to deal with all the things coming up.
“These boys are fantastic in that department as well. Really down to earth and grounded, all that is absolutely fine.”
Due to the club’s extensive injury list, Klopp has relied on his young players, who played pivotal roles in Liverpool’s recent victories over Chelsea in the EFL Cup final and Southampton.
In both matches, 19-year-olds Bobby Clark and James McConnell, along with Jayden Danns, featured, while Lewis Koumas, Trey Nyoni (16), and Kaide Gordon (19) were part of the squad against Southampton.
Throughout the season, 21-year-old Jarell Quansah and 20-year-old Conor Bradley have become regular fixtures in the team, while Harvey Elliott (20) has amassed over 100 appearances for the club.
Reflecting on the team’s success, Klopp arranged for a photo with the EFL Cup trophy on Thursday, including all academy staff, to acknowledge their contributions to the journey.
With Klopp set to step down at the end of the season, questions arise about whether the impact of these young players will make his departure more challenging.
“I love the more senior players as well, I will miss them as well,” he said.
“Seeing the young boys coming through just gives me a very good feeling for the future of the club, which is more important than anything.
“I will miss them and follow them but it is about what is right and that’s why I will do it and not because I don’t like some players and want to leave because of that.
“But now they are young players I like them more and I should stay because of that? It’s not like that, definitely not.”
Heading into Saturday’s match against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool lead the Premier League, one point ahead of Manchester City and two points ahead of Arsenal.
Forward Darwin Nunez and midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai have resumed training, and midfielder Wataru Endo and left-back Andy Robertson are anticipated to return on Friday.