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Jurgen Klopp has assured Billy Koumetio that he has a bright future ahead of him despite a difficult afternoon on his first outing for Liverpool.
The 17-year-old started alongside Joel Matip in Anfield’s central defender before being substituted at halftime when the Reds ended their preseason preparations with a 7-2 win over Blackpool.
However, Liverpool had to rebound from a 2-0 down and the young center-back lost possession to CJ Hamilton, who scored Blackpool’s first goal, before playing the same player on the flank while winning a penalty after get shot down by Alisson. .
But Klopp is confident that Koumetio will learn from his mistake and was otherwise satisfied with the youngster’s display.
“Absolutely (will learn). We had some problems in the first half. [The opening goal] It was a pressed ball against a very experienced player, who was stronger at that time, ”said the German.
“Billy played super balls, super passes and he was there. Our last line played [for the] The first time we were together like this, it’s completely fine, but we weren’t high enough.
(Image: John Powell / Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
“There were a lot of situations where I thought it should be an offside, but it wasn’t an offside. For at least one reason, it wasn’t an offside because we weren’t really lined up.
“All these things, little things to learn, but 17 years, a lifetime in front of him, which is very nice.
“[He is a] a great talent and, like I said, he had some really good situations, but on this press ball, it wasn’t that nice. “
Klopp also shared his enthusiasm for Harvey Elliott after the 17-year-old came off the bench to claim a goal and assist, having previously challenged the winger to score more goals.
“It is in your hands. I liked the offers he made today much more, he was very sharp, he was fast, he offered different careers than he usually does, ”he said.
“On the inside, this kid is a playmaker, he can be a playmaker, but he also has to be a finisher. You have to be a forward, you have to be a defender and all that.
“That is what we are all trying to imagine to take to the field and that is good, of course.
“It was very good for him to score this goal today.”
Reflecting on his team’s preseason, Klopp was optimistic for next weekend’s Premier League opener against Leeds United despite the narrowing of the preparation schedule.
“It was the best preseason we could have done because we can’t compare and no one will give us a different one,” he said.
“It was the best possible, I would say. We have had many good sessions and we will benefit throughout the season.
“We have to make sure we are ready for the first game against Leeds because it will be very difficult.
“Leeds have a specific style of play, they mark the man across the pitch and make it really intense. We have to be prepared for that but we have a few days.
“Hopefully all the other guys are healthy now at international games, then they come back and we have three days to work on that together.”
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