U23s determined to use Leicester defeat for the better
Lloyd Jones was left 'really disappointed' as Liverpool U23s lost for the second time in their Premier League 2 campaign on Sunday.
The centre-back played the whole game at Prenton Park, where the young Reds surrendered a point in stoppage-time against Leicester City.
Jones rued the ‘sloppy’ errors that led to the 2-1 defeat.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: “It’s really disappointing to lose the game. I don’t think they ever broke us down in the game but the two goals we conceded were really sloppy on our behalf.
“We knew what they were going to do with long throw-ins and crosses into the box and we have to compete a bit more.”
With the game all square going into additional time, Sam Hughes saw his header cross the line despite the best efforts of Kamil Grabara to keep the effort out.
Jones still had a chance to level right at the end but his headed attempt clipped the top of the bar and the visitors ran out the victors.
“I thought the goalkeeper tipped it over at the time but it obviously hit the bar. It’s just one of those you want to go in.”
Looking ahead, the 22-year-old insisted the experience of playing a physically demanding team can only help himself and the rest of Neil Critchley’s side.
“They are a different type of team to what we usually play at this level. I think we had it a bit against Derby as well but they are a lot more direct and they are not afraid to kick it long and it’s a learning experience we can deal with a little better.”
Meanwhile, U23s captain Corey Whelan shared a similar point of view to Jones in regard to the manner of goals conceded.
“It was something we spoke about before the game so we are our own enemies in that respect because we should have cleared the ball. It was there for everyone to see that we should have done better with that goal but we’ll take things from it and try not to let it happen again,” he commented.
The U23s now turn their focus to cup competitions, with a break from league action ahead, and Whelan believes they can use the upcoming period to continue their early-season momentum.
The defender added: “We’ve done very well as a group and we are striving to do even more. We know there is more to do and we have to strive and push forward to games in the cup and the remaining ones in the league as well.”