Jürgen Klopp’s impending departure from Liverpool will deeply affect one young player, while other emerging talents share a common drive for success in the quest for a quadruple.
Liverpool’s rising star, Lewis Koumas, has expressed his ‘heartbreak’ over Klopp’s exit from the club. Klopp’s mentorship has profoundly impacted the young talents at Liverpool, with Koumas standing out as one of the academy graduates who flourished under his guidance.
A devoted fan of the club, Koumas has also emerged as a breakthrough talent. He made a significant contribution as a substitute in Liverpool’s victorious Carabao Cup final against Chelsea on February 25. Just four days later, the 18-year-old netted his debut senior goal in Liverpool’s 3-0 FA Cup triumph over Southampton.
In the upcoming Europa League fixture against Sparta Prague on Thursday night, Klopp may afford the young Reds another opportunity to showcase their abilities. With a commanding 5-1 advantage from the first leg, Klopp might opt to rest some key players, especially with the FA Cup quarter-final clash against Manchester United looming at Old Trafford.
In a video posted by Liverpool FC, the young players discuss their aspirations for the remainder of the season. Koumas, son of former Premier League player Jason, rallies his teammates to secure additional silverware as a tribute to Klopp’s legacy.
“I just hope we do it all for the boss really. It’s going to be heartbreaking when he goes,” said the youngster. “I hope we can get a few more trophies for him. He’s unbelievable. One of the best managers in the world and it’s great to learn from him and show what I can do.”
Jarell Quansah, the talented 21-year-old defender, has enjoyed a stellar season, featuring in 23 matches across various competitions. His standout performance against Manchester City last Sunday garnered praise, with some initially questioning his ability to handle Erling Haaland.
“It sounds surreal that we’re involved,” he said, before another potential match against Sparta Prague. “But at the end of the day we’ve shown we’re good enough and that we can help the team hopefully win the league.”
Bobby Clark, another young prospect aged just 19, is keen on securing as many trophies as he can before Klopp departs from his position. He said: “We all want to win everything, especially for us but obviously for the gaffer because it’s his last season and everything. Being around this team, and what we can go for, we’ve won the Carabao Cup and there’s so much more to come hopefully.”
Klopp has been forced to rely on his squad’s depth amidst a string of injuries. The participation of star player Mohamed Salah, recently back from a hamstring injury, remains uncertain for the upcoming match against Sparta. However, the young players have consistently showcased their determination and talent, reassuring the team’s resilience in the face of adversity.