Liverpool consider overseas options after Champions League qualification failure.
Liverpool will not have a team in the UEFA Youth League for the first time since 2017.
Liverpool is exploring options outside of England after their failure to secure Champions League qualification this season. The disappointment extends beyond Jurgen Klopp's first-team squad, as the club's academy players will miss out on the opportunity to compete against some of Europe's best young teams in the UEFA Youth League. This will be the first time since 2017 that Liverpool will not have a team in the competition.
In the past six years, a top-four finish in the Premier League has granted Liverpool's talented young players the chance to participate in the UEFA Youth League. The tournament has proved to be highly beneficial for the club, providing a platform for their most promising prospects to showcase their abilities. Players like Curtis Jones, Rhys Williams, Neco Williams, Rhian Brewster, Harvey Elliott, Stefan Bajcetic, and Ben Doak have all made their mark in the competition and subsequently earned opportunities in the Liverpool first team.
With most of the eligible players for the UEFA Youth League featuring for Liverpool U21s this season, former manager Barry Lewtas took charge of the team. He acknowledges that the absence of the tournament will be felt, and the club is now considering alternative options to provide valuable experiences for their academy players in the upcoming season.
Lewtas mentions the Premier League International Cup as an exciting competition that could benefit the players. This tournament typically features older opposition, which would pose an additional challenge for Liverpool's young talents. Friendly matches against European teams and participation in other tournaments are also being considered as potential alternatives to replicate the exposure and development opportunities provided by the UEFA Youth League.
Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, the U18s coach who previously led Liverpool in the UEFA Youth League, emphasizes the significance of the competition in the development of young players. He highlights the exposure to different playing styles, mentalities, and cultures that it offers, citing Curtis Jones as an example of a player who thrived in the tournament.
While Liverpool will miss the glamour and excitement that the UEFA Youth League brings, the club remains committed to finding ways to continue the growth and progress of their academy players. Exploring alternative competitions and opportunities will be crucial in ensuring the continued development of their talented youngsters.
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