Klopp: Kids are doing alright and deserved win

Jurgen Klopp saluted the young members on his Liverpool squad following Saturday night's goalless FA Cup draw with West Ham, but warned it’s important not to place extra pressure on them.

The German boss kept faith with many of the club’s youth prospects, who impressed during both games against Exeter in the third round, and they once again did their manager proud.

Cameron Brannagan, in particular, had an accomplished game and Klopp was quick to highlight how far some of his players have come in a short space of time.

He explained: “They did really well. Kevin Stewart – five weeks ago, he was at Swindon Town and didn’t play too often.

“Brad Smith – a big step in the right direction. That’s really cool. [Sheyi] Ojo came in and again did well, you could see. And Jerome Sinclair. 

“There’s a lot of potential, that’s what we said before. That’s very important. It’s not only important to know about it; the players have to show it, but you have to show them that you see their steps.

“That’s what we tried. If they could have played as well as I trust them to, then it would have been a lot better because I know they can do better. But it was good, really good, and I’m pleased.

“These boys would have deserved to win tonight but it is like it is. We will have a team for West Ham and maybe it’s not too far away from this team today.”

When asked if the youngsters who acquitted themselves well would be in contention for a Premier League place, he replied: “They are only in our squad because they are an option for us, but we have to decide always if it is the right moment or not.

“Young lads, especially, very often have waves in their development – it can be good, or if you bring them in in the wrong moment then it’s not too good for their development.

“We’re always in touch with the Under-21s and a few of them are always in our training. In the last few days we had 27 players in training and made two teams from that, so that’s good. It’s not the moment to talk about who will break through, they have time and that’s the best thing in life.

“They have enough pressure, you don’t have to make that pressure bigger. We will try to push them, try to help them and hopefully all of them will play sometime in the starting line-up.”