Randall: That was the perfect step up for us
Connor Randall insists there are positives for Liverpool to take from their narrow defeat to Chelsea in their opening game of the International Champions Cup at the Rose Bowl.
Despite going down to a 1-0 loss thanks to an early header from Gary Cahill, the 20-year-old believes the step up in class of the opposition was just the type of game Jürgen Klopp’s team needed as they continue their pre-season preparations.
“It was tough, a tough game against a good side,” Randall told Liverpoolfc.com.
“It was the highest [quality] side we have played in pre-season so far and we knew it was going to be a test.
“It was disappointing to get beat but it’s more minutes [on the pitch] for everyone.
“It’s been a tough pre-season so far and we stepped it up again [against Chelsea] and that’s what you want to do - play against the best teams and you could say it was a step up.
“It was disappointing to lose but it’s a good step up for us. Some pre-season games are not as competitive as others but today it was more like a proper game and it was very competitive.
“It was like a real game which can only help us going into the season.”
The Reds will now turn their attentions to another one of Europe’s elite when they meet with AC Milan at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Saturday night, before ending the tour with a clash against another Italian giant in Roma on Monday.
Randall admits he is excited at the prospect of pitting his wits against some of the best teams on the continent out in the USA.
“There’s some great teams we are playing against here,” he added.
“It’s exciting for us all and to play against great opposition like this is exciting because you don’t often get the chance to do that, especially the European teams, so everyone is looking forward to it and hopefully we can get the win.”
For the Scouser who has been at the club since the age of six, getting the opportunity to impress Klopp on a day-to-day basis during the pre-season tour of America is an invaluable experience.
Randall insists the opportunity to work and learn off the manager can only help his development as a player.
“We are all working on different things in the pre-season and we are all working on the same page and trying to bring them into games,” he continued.
“The manager is putting his stamp on it and the players are listening and working hard to try and do the best we can.”