Gerrard on U18s win, Tagseth talent and a surprise top scorer
Steven Gerrard oversaw a first win of the season for his Liverpool U18s side as Blackburn Rovers were edged out 3-2 at the Academy on Saturday.
The young Reds twice held a two-goal cushion in an entertaining contest, with goals from Edvard Tagseth, Liam Coyle and Glen McAuley ultimately enough for the points despite late pressure from the visitors.
Afterwards, Gerrard spoke to Liverpoolfc.com about the victory, the talent of new face Tagseth, a second goal in as many games for Coyle, and more…
On his analysis of the match…
It was nervy, they hit both posts. So we’ll have to look at where they’re getting chances from. I thought we defended very, very well in the first half. We always knew that Blackburn were going to have a phase in the game where they might come back into it; it’s important in those periods that we don’t concede goals. So, as a defensive unit, in the second half we’re slightly disappointed. But I’m pleased with the win and pleased for the lads. It’s a good start to the season for us, four [points] out of six. It should be six – us coaches always want more. We’ll keep working with them and keep trying to improve them.
LFCTV GO: Highlights of the 3-2 win
On the chances his team created…
We were excellent in the first half and should have had the game out of reach really. I was very disappointed to go in only at 1-0. That’s the learning curve; when these boys move onto U23 and first-team football, you get punished for not taking your chances. We were lucky we came through the game with three points because Blackburn came into the game. We could have killed the game after 45 minutes if we’d have taken our chances in the first half.
On the potential of Tagseth…
I thought he was excellent all over the pitch. If you watch Edy closely, not only is he a wonderful passer, he has got unbelievable energy, he does all the dirty work, he gets on second balls, he runs back. He’s a quiet kid; we’re trying to get him to come out of his shell. He’s got an unbelievable future if he keeps working the way he does.
Watch: Gerrard reflects on first league win
On goalscorers Coyle and McAuley…
I’m very pleased for Glen – he missed 10 days of pre-season with a foot injury. He is getting really close to 100 per cent now. You know with Glen, if people provide chances for him he’ll get goals; he is a finisher, that’s what his game’s all about. In terms of Liam Coyle, he’s top scorer! He’s showing the forward lads how to do it. I’m really pleased for him. He’s another one, similar to Edy, you don’t have to coach these players much because they just do the right things all the time. They’re professional and their attitude is spot-on. They’re the two to follow.
On the nervy ending to the game…
Welcome to management! I aged a little bit in the final moments. We should have had the game done and dusted by then. The learning curve is that if you don’t take your chances and put teams to bed, you could come unstuck towards the end of the game.
Watch live coverage or highlights of every U18s and U23s match on LFCTV and LFCTV GO. Click here for more details.