Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp showed support for young players in Liverpool’s 1-2 loss to Union Saint Gilloise in the Europa League. The match in Brussels featured Liverpool’s youngest ever European team, with an average age of just 21.9 years and six players aged 20 or under.

Jarell Quansah, one of the 20-year-olds, scored the first goal to equalize after Mohammed Amoura’s opener, but Cameron Puertas restored the hosts’ lead in a disjointed first half.

Klopp took responsibility for his team’s performance and defended his young players, stating that he would not judge them based on this match. He admitted that the sweeping changes he made disrupted the team’s rhythm.

The Liverpool coach emphasized that he sees the potential and abilities of these players during daily training. He considered the match an important learning experience for them and expressed confidence in their abilities. Klopp believes that every career has challenging moments and these matches provide valuable lessons for young players to grow and develop.

Although the result was not ideal, Klopp appreciated the effort and determination the whole team showed. He noted that no one was injured and that they would regroup and move forward.

Klopp also mentioned that the search for a suitable partner for Virgil van Dijk in defense is underway following Joel Matip’s recent surgery. The match gives Klopp the opportunity to assess Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez, who each played half a half, as he weighs up his options for the upcoming match against Manchester United.