Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp Puts Faith in Youth for Exeter Cup Clash
By Press Associates — Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists he trusts his younger players and they will not be under any pressure when he sends them out to secure a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
The German played a scratch side at Exeter earlier this month in the original tie, which finished 2-2, because of an injury crisis and although that has eased slightly the same players will be asked to finish the job at Anfield.
There is the prospect of the League Two visitors causing an upset but Klopp said that should not weigh on the minds of his youngsters.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on their shoulders because they are too young,” he said.
“I think all these players are very excited. For some of them, it’s the first time in the starting line-up at Anfield, which is a special place for footballers all over the world.
“I’m really looking forward [to it] for them because they get this opportunity.”
Liverpool were pushed all the way in the first meeting, needing a late equaliser to earn a replay but Klopp insists that should have no bearing on this game.
“The pitch was really difficult [at St James Park] but for both teams,” he added. “Exeter did better on this pitch but maybe they are more used to it – but now we play at Anfield and I would say we don’t have to think too much about the first game.
“I think it’s a big chance we can show the young boys that we trust them. I think it’s very important, it’s a real competition against a good team.
“It’s a real man’s competition. Now I know more about League Two players to be honest because before I didn’t know.”
Exeter boss Paul Tisdale, who is bidding to take the club into the fourth round for the first time since 1981, has also tried to ease any nerves his side may have.
“As much as we were delighted with the draw (in the first game), it was tinged slightly by the fact that we had the lead with 15 minutes to go,” he said.
“We have to be practical and we have to be very considered about the performance that we need to give, in order to give us the best chance of progressing.
“We have to adapt, and it’s not just about being one 100 per cent committed, it’s about understanding the environment.
“We have to make the most of it. We’re going to enjoy it; we have nothing to lose.”
Source: Press Associates
