Borrell ready for Ireland trip
Rodolfo Borrell felt Liverpool U21s' 4-1 victory over Rochdale on Monday was an ideal test for his team ahead of their trip to Ireland at the weekend.
A late double from Michael Ngoo added gloss to the scoreline but the Reds were made to work hard for the result, which was the perfect scenario according to Borrell.
"I'm happy because it's the type of game I was looking for," said the coach. "I was looking for a tough game against a side with plenty of experience, with strong lads, and I think it was quite a tough game, especially at the beginning.
"Then when things calmed down and slowed down, we could impose our quality a little bit. It was a good win for what I was looking for."
Adam Morgan and Suso were also on target during the win, which was the U21s' third in four matches in pre-season, ahead of the kick-off to their league campaign on August 20.
More important than the result for Borrell, though, was the opportunity for learning the match provided.
"In terms of fitness levels, it was good. In terms of playing compact and as a team, it was good too," continued the Spaniard.
"In some parts of the game, we panicked a little bit, especially in the beginning when it was really tough. We need to stay patient at that time and try to wait for momentum and impose your quality.
"You learn that with experience and playing games like this. It was positive. I am quite happy, for the result too because I always say that winning is important, but I am quite pleased because I was looking for that type of game."
Before the new season gets underway against Wolves, however, the young Reds are travelling to Ireland this weekend for two fixtures, with Bray Wanderers and Crusaders.
Borrell expects two 'very tough, competitive games', with the combination of fitter teams midway through their season and significant crowds offering a new experience for many players among the squad.
He explained: "We will play against similar types of teams but with the difference that Bray and Crusaders are in the middle or three-quarters of their season and obviously a lot fitter than Rochdale, who are in pre-season like us.
"It's going to be a big step up - I'm looking forward to the games. That's why for this game I wanted, more or less, to make the lads understand what we are going to face in Ireland. That's why this one was good and I'm looking forward to it.
"We went last season, there are lots of Liverpool fans there. When Liverpool are there, the stadiums are full. Last season I remember Bray Wanderers had 6,000 and Waterford 8,000.
"When our lads play against these tough sides with that atmosphere, they grow. They are the type of games that we are looking for to make them grow as an individual and as a team."
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