Gerrard tells U19s to relish European clash with United
Steven Gerrard will tell his young players to relish the opportunity of playing Manchester United in Europe on Wednesday afternoon and show they have what it takes to perform on a big stage.
Liverpool U19s host their arch-rivals in the last 16 of the UEFA Youth League at Prenton Park, with kick-off set for 3pm GMT.
The young Reds made an excellent start to the competition by topping their group, winning five out of six games and scoring 18 goals in the process.
And ahead of a mouthwatering knockout clash with United, read Gerrard’s thoughts on the special occasion, facing a former international colleague and enjoying the pressure…
On why his players should be relishing this cup tie…
“In games like this you shouldn’t have to motivate your players. This is the last 16 of the youth Champions League with a chance to qualify at a big stadium, if we need to motivate players for this then we are in the wrong place. It should be set and they should be ready to go and perform. Yes, we will work on certain things over the next couple of days to prepare them and show them Manchester United’s strengths and weaknesses as we do, and then they have got to go and deliver.”
On coming up against his former England colleague Nicky Butt, who is in charge of United’s team…
“I believe so. I wasn’t aware of that until the actual draw. I know he’s their academy manager but he has taken this team. He’s a good lad is Nicky and I enjoyed being in the England squad around him. He was a good player and it’s great to see that he has stayed in the game and I’m sure he has a lot to offer. It will be a good battle from the dugouts but once the team is picked, it’s up to them to go and produce the goods. I’m sure whoever turns up and puts in the best display will qualify.”
On a golden opportunity for the Reds to express themselves on a big stage…
“I was thinking about it the other day, playing Manchester United and putting myself back to when I was there. I would have loved this occasion, to play against Manchester United for the U19s in the Champions League at Prenton Park. I wasn’t lucky enough to have that so that’s what I’m going to try and put across to them – revel in it, enjoy it, this is a magic moment in your young lives and if you get a nice win maybe it’s a memory that might stay with you for a long time.”
On letting the players know what’s at stake…
“You’ve got realise it’s Manchester United and there’s a lot at stake. It’s a 50-50 game and this is one that would be tough to get over if it doesn’t go your way – that’s just the way it is. It is one of those fixtures that is a little bit juicier and there’s a lot more riding on it because of the rivalry. You have to deal with that, take that responsibility on the chin and manage it. Of course we don’t want players going in and doing anything stupid and getting sent off, like we’ve experienced in a couple of games, but at the same time we’ve got to have the players right on the edge.”
On the encouraging performances in the group stage…
“Even in the defeat away at Spartak Moscow there were moments of good stuff. I thought Spartak handled the pitch better than us, and I think the pitch will play a part on Wednesday as well. Tranmere Rovers play on it Tuesday night so I expect it not to be perfect, but it’s the same for both teams and you have to get on with it. Our performances during the group stage give me confidence because we were very consistent besides one game. Both of our performances against Sevilla, home and away, were excellent. To keep a couple of clean sheets and to beat them so convincingly was pleasing because they had some good players. If we can hit those levels or get close to that then I know we will give Manchester United a hell of a game.”
On the importance of performing in the final third against United…
“Manchester United have some good players, they have a couple of technicians in there and they will have their threats but so have we. We have to make sure the people who are our threats in the top end of the pitch deliver, like Bobby Adekanye, Curtis Jones and Liam Millar. These players have to come to the party and deliver.”
On the thrilling 2-2 draw with United back in December, when the Reds played a large part of the game with 10 men…
“We lost a player after 25 minutes and were 1-0 down with a mountain to climb, but the players climbed it and we nearly got to the very top, unfortunately for a late equaliser to deny us. The scenes at the end from United were as if they had won the game when we had 10 men, so I came away very positive from that fixture and I couldn’t have asked my players to give any more. If the players give me on Wednesday what they gave from 25 minutes through to the 90 in that last game then I think we will be alright.”
On coping without the injured Rhian Brewster and having a selection poser in attack…
“It gives us a bit of a problem because Rhian is such a good player and he’s a threat. He’s great for the group and he is certainly one I know for a fact would be up for a game like Manchester United. He will be missed but these things happen in football and it’s an opportunity for someone else who plays in that position, and hopefully they can deliver. I’m gutted for Rhian because I know what his personality is like and he won’t enjoy watching this because he would love to be playing in it.”
On why he loved this fixture and his memories of scoring against United in the 2003 League Cup final…
“It was certainly the one you looked for when the fixture list came out. I played in a cup final against United in Cardiff so I’ve felt that tension and that excitement, the buzz and the build-up, and also the pressure of going to perform. I know what these kids are feeling right now and I know what they will be feeling before the game, during it and at half-time. For me, the only advice I can give them is leave it all out there because if you come off the pitch and it doesn’t go well then at least you can hold your head up high and say you gave it the lot. The important thing is they don’t come away from this game and think they should have given more, just go and commit and give what you have got.”
We will have delayed coverage of this tie on LFCTV and LFCTV GO. Follow live updates on Liverpoolfc.com.
For supporters wishing to attend Wednesday's game, click here for admission details.