InterviewJarell Quansah's Carabao Cup preview: 'The hunger is there every day'

The centre-back was on the bench for the Reds’ dramatic quarter-final win over Leicester City en route to lifting the trophy during 2021-22.

Quansah then watched on among the supporters at Wembley as Jürgen Klopp’s team overcame Chelsea in a penalty shootout to claim the cup.

This term, the 20-year-old has made his senior debut and totalled six appearances so far – including a start and assist in the Carabao Cup third-round victory last month, which again was versus Leicester.

And Quansah hopes for further opportunities and to play his part in trying to deliver the achievements the squad are craving.

“It’s so clear to see on a day-to-day basis,” he told Liverpoolfc.com ahead of Wednesday’s round four tie away at AFC Bournemouth. “Everyone is hungry, everyone wants trophies and that’s coming from the club’s identity.”

The No.78 continued: “I was in the stands [for the 2022 final]. Great atmosphere, we were right next to the Liverpool end, the younger lads were there.

“Obviously you were just so buzzing for the team and to help participate in that meant a lot to me as well.”

Read on for more from our pre-match interview with Quansah, as he reflected on his progress at senior level this term, the trip to the south coast, and more…

On his expectations coming in to this season…

I just wanted the opportunity in pre-season to try to show what I could do. That was it really, I didn’t really think too far ahead. There’s no point in trying to plan out a season, because in football anything can happen. I was ready for any game time, all the training we did. I just got off the summer with England at the U20 World Cup and thought I did well there, so I had a lot of confidence coming in. I just wanted to perform and challenge for a spot really.

On the experience of being on the bench in previous campaigns, and what he took from that…

At that period you think yourself you’re ready, but looking back, I was nowhere near where I needed to be. So if I would have got on then it maybe would have been a different story. That’s just speaking from [that] I think I’ve matured over the last couple of years. So, sitting on the bench then was definitely an opportunity to just take it in, soak everything in. I was on the bench for Spurs away and obviously that stadium, when it gets loud it gets loud. I’d say that definitely helped me so much.

On the feelings after he debuted in the comeback win at Newcastle United in August…

It’s crazy, you can’t put it into words really. It’s just an overwhelming feeling for my family of a lot of proud people, a lot of people that have seen me from when I was very young, took me to training on half-days, put in extra hours for me. So, just being able to pay my family with all that sort of love and what they have done for me was probably the best feeling. After making my debut, that was the best feeling that I could enjoy myself.

On whether he is becoming more accustomed to playing at senior level…

Yeah, you just have to play what’s in front of you really. As long as I can get as much game time as I can and get rhythm – I’m a player who tends to play better when I play more games and [get] rhythm – so that will keep building. Hopefully after a few more games and if it gets consistent, I’ll start to show the level that I think I am.

On looking to show his composure on the ball during games…

I try to play how I played when I was younger. I’ve always been known as a ball-carrying centre-back, who sometimes used to do too much, used to dribble a lot, used to do crazy stuff that I definitely wouldn’t do now! Just trying to stay free and keep my identity – and I think that’s the best way to be because you can then show your full confidence.

On seeing other players use the Carabao Cup as a chance to progress in previous seasons…

It has been shown to be a good opportunity for the younger lads. For myself, it’s definitely one to try to take.

On meeting Bournemouth in round four…

Every team you’re going to play at this stage is going to be a good team. Especially Bournemouth, they have got a lot of bright players. I know a couple, so I have seen their quality for years and they have got a lot of experience. So it’s going to be a tough task no matter what.

On his targets for the remainder of this season…

It’s hard to think that far ahead just yet. As long as I keep playing and keep progressing in myself and working hard on the training pitch, doing everything I can to impress, I think things will take care of itself. I don’t need to think about that too much in that type of way. If you want a team goal, we definitely want to win all the trophies we’re in at the minute.