Fearless young Reds excited for European adventure
Liverpool's young Reds are raring to get their European campaign under way on Tuesday when they host Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Youth League.
Barry Lewtas will take charge of the U19s side, assisted by U23s boss Neil Critchley, with their opening tie to be played at St. Helens R.F.C.’s Totally Wicked Stadium at 3pm BST.
Under the guidance of Steven Gerrard last season, Liverpool reached the quarter-finals of the competition, where they lost in a penalty shootout to Manchester City.
Ahead of their new foray in the tournament, Lewtas looked ahead to the clash with their PSG counterparts and the visit to Anfield that will follow, and explained why the Youth League is so beneficial…
On leading the Reds in Europe...
I’m really excited and it’s great to work with Critch. The team will come from both groups [U18s and U23s] so we will be working together and the boys can’t wait for these games. It’s something different and very different to the league programme we play on a Saturday. There’s something about a European competition at first-team level and we are no different at academy level. The boys are excited and we are too as staff.
On intense competition for places…
Because the team will be a mix of the U18s and U23s there is healthy competition. With the older players in the group we want them to take responsibility. It’s a really nice dynamic and for the younger lads they also have to take the responsibility and play like an older player.
On mirroring the first team by playing in a mini Champions League…
We are fortunate that we get to travel around Europe with the kids in many tournaments. They won’t fear the opposition and we have prepared them well enough to understand what these games are all about. Some of the lads have played against Paris Saint-Germain before so there is no fear there. There is an excitement and they are attractive ties.
On getting the chance to take the team to watch the first XI in the Champions League…
It’s great that we have the chance to take the boys to watch the first team play after we finish our game. On Tuesday evening after our game with PSG we will take the squad to Anfield and watch the game. That experience is special as well. For the boys to get to experience the atmosphere as well in Paris, Napoli and Belgrade will be a real eye-opener to them. It also gives them the taste of, ‘this could be me one day playing for the first team’. That is something quite exciting.
On going into the tie with confidence…
Both the U18s and U23s have played really good football and as coaches we are pleased with the start to the season, but as ever we always want improvement. Hopefully we can impose our style on PSG on Tuesday and we will concentrate on our strengths, but it’s a great first game for the lads.
If you want to go to the game and show your support for the young Reds, click here for ticket information.
LFC season ticket holders and Members can attend the match for free by showing their card on the day.