Reds manager’s response following Thursday’s Europa League match.
As Liverpool defeated Union Saint-Gilloise 2-0 in the Europa League on Thursday, goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Diogo Jota, at the end of each half, gave the Reds back-to-back victories in Group E after they began their campaign with a 3-1 victory at LASK last month. Jurgen Klopp says he had no hesitation giving Jarell Quansah his first European start.
Quansah put in an outstanding performance with Ibrahima Konate as the England Under-20 international stayed firm in the face of the physical threat of the USG attack. Quansah’s start against the Belgians was his sixth appearance of what has been a brilliant season thus far.
The Reds manager revealed Quansah will still be required to play for the U21s at various points throughout the season as he continues to learn his trade at the top of the senior level. “It’s part of his development,” Klopp said. “If you are not ready then it’s difficult to play football, but I was not in that position.” Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, and Joel Matip were all on the substitutes’ bench on this particular night.
He’ll also play for the under-21 team. It’s enjoyable to witness his development now that he is actually living with us, which is good to see. He is a terrific ball player, and Mo (Salah) had the opportunity to assist him in the first half, but top-notch defending and fast thinking prevented that from happening. I believe he will feel fairly well, and he should.
Leave a Reply