'They've nurtured some greats'

We kick off our first ever match in the NextGen Series against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday night and I have to admit I can't wait for the new campaign to get underway.

We've had a long and tough pre-season but hopefully the physical demands we have placed upon our players will reap the results over the coming months.

Wednesday's game is live on LFC TV and LFC TV Online. Click here for details>>

This season the reserves set-up will be a little bit different. We will not only be looking to make an impact domestically but on the European scene too.

We are all very excited about the U19 Champions League-style tournament we have entered.

I think it is a positive step and a very good idea. I always promote our involvement in tournaments around the world as much as possible as it pits us against teams with other philosophies and styles of play. I think this is important for the improvement and development of the players.

The NextGen Series offers us this opportunity, playing home and away against some very big sides around Europe.

Click on the play button to watch our chat with Rodolfo

We will get to play at Anfield again as well as the main stadia of the other sides. You cannot overestimate how big it is for these youngsters to touch the 'This is Anfield' sign and run out in front of the Kop.

It is one of the most famous grounds in the world with a huge history. Then you have the support of our unique fans. It all helps these lads to understand more about the reality of playing for this club at the highest level.

Sporting Lisbon will be massive opponents. When I say they are a dangerous team it is not just because they are our next opponents and I am being respectful. These are not hollow words.

I remember when I had just arrived at Liverpool. There was real interest in some of the players we will face on Wednesday from my old club, Barcelona.

They were at U17 level at the time and I know for a fact that Barca were hoping to sign no fewer than three of their players. I then spoke to the people here and told them to have a look at the aforementioned players and to take note of how impressive Sporting's youth system is.

I know a lot of supporters and observers in England will be unaware of just how good the set-up is there. In Spain it is quite rightly regarded as one of the best in the world. They have very good squads running right through the age groups.

They have very quick, technically gifted players and they are really well organised too.

You only have to look at players that have come through their ranks in the past to see their pedigree. Luis Figo, Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo - all players of fantastic technical ability who have consistently produced at the highest level.

We know it will be tough but we feel we can beat them on our home turf. It will be a hugely beneficial experience for our youngsters and at the end of it all, that is what matters most.

Of course we do not know the exact personnel we will have for the match. Jon Flanagan and Jack Robinson are eligible to play but they are with the first team, so it is up to the boss.

If he decides it is good for them to play these games with us then they will be welcome. If not, then it is no problem because the club knows what is best for these lads.

Some supporters may look at our group and expect us to progress comfortably but I am certain that will not be the case.

Wolfsburg were fantastic at U18 level in Germany last season. They won everything they were involved in so we know they will pose a threat.

As for Molde, I am expecting them to be a strong, physical side - a typical Scandinavian outfit.

I have always taken things one game at a time and it has served me well in my career as a coach. I see no reason to change that now. Our only aim is to beat Sporting Lisbon.

It promises to be a good game. Hopefully we will have a big crowd at Anfield to roar us on and give us the type of support that has won so many European encounters for the first-team over the years.

Rodolfo was speaking to Paul Hassall