Rodolfo: Beware Spurs threat
Rodolfo Borrell is under no illusions as to the size of the task his U19 side face tonight as they bid for a place in the semi-finals of the NextGen Series when they meet Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.
Spurs, under the command of Tim Sherwood and Les Ferdinand, finished top of their group with a goal difference of plus 11, including a 7-1 rout of Inter Milan who ironically have now reached the semi-finals at the expense of Sporting Lisbon.
The Portugese outfit beat Borrell's side twice in their group but the Reds qualified for the quarter-finals after edging out Wolfsburg and Molde for second place.
You can watch the game exclusively live on LFC TV and LFC TV Online - with our coverage starting at 6pm.
The Liverpool youngsters lost 4-2 to Blackburn in the Barclays Premier Reserve League North last week, and Borrell has warned his side about the importance of a good start.
"We have to make the right approach and play with confidence if we want to be successful in this game," Borrell told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"Tottenham are a very good side at U19 level and we will have to be at our best. They have a big squad with over 30 players they could choose from for this game.
"They are a real threat up front with very quick and technical players, they are strong in the middle and secure at the back.
"It will be a difficult game but this is what you expect in the quarter-finals of the NextGen Series. There are no easy games and we know what we have to do.
"The lads have had some ups and downs this season and that's what we have to improve upon - our consistency.
"If one day they want to play in our first team and win trophies you have to be consistent.
"We were disappointed with our performance against Blackburn last week and we want to bounce back this week."
The Spaniard also gave his views on how important the NextGen Series has been for the development of his young squad in 2011-12.
Last season this squad was playing U18 Academy League football and a lot of progress has been made, both domestically and in Europe.
He added: "We have enjoyed the NextGen Series so far and it has been very beneficial for the lads. They have played in different countries against different styles of play. It has been good for their mentality.
"It has also given them a great insight into what playing in the first team for a Champions League match could be like for them in the future.
"It has been a great experience for us so far and we hope to continue this and go as far as we can in the competition."
Borrell also gave his reaction to NextGen Series favourites Sporting Lisbon crashing out of the NextGen Series to Inter Milan.
"Well, sometimes this happens in football," he added. "If you have one bad day at the office you can lose.
"They were missing a few of their best players including Bruma who is one of the best wingers around.
"They were the favourites to win the competition but it just shows you never know what is going to happen in football."