Boss: We've created a pathway from Kirkby to Melwood
Jürgen Klopp believes Liverpool’s youngsters are now able to see a clear pathway from Kirkby to Melwood - something the manager feels is vital to the success of the Academy.
Several players from the Academy have been given an opportunity to shine at first-team level since Klopp arrived at the club a year ago, with 18-year-old midfielder Ovie Ejaria the latest to get a taste of competitive senior football in last month’s EFL Cup win over Derby County.
The boss has a reputation of being willing to give youth a chance from his time with Borussia Dortmund, and he is keen to continue promoting from within at Liverpool.
“We have created a situation where all these boys see a real perspective - that’s very important, they need to know that there is a way through,” said Klopp.
“I can promise that before we sign a player who isn’t a lot better than what we already have we will always use our own boys.
“That’s how the future should be, even in the crazy football transfer world. We want to be this special club.
“It’s important for us that even if they don’t make it through at Liverpool that they’ve had the best education they could get. That’s what we’re working on. Nothing is finished yet.
“We are all trying to improve. Improvement sometimes means to change something, sometimes it just means to wait.
“We have changed a few things but not too much because I think the work at the Academy is really good. We work pretty close together because we want to help these boys so they can help us from a specific point on.”
Klopp was present to watch Michael Beale’s U23s beat Leicester City 4-0 at Prenton Park last month, and he is eager to see more of Liverpool’s younger sides in action.
“This season I went to watch the U23s at Tranmere and I’d like to do that much more often. I always did it at my former clubs when I had time,” he continued.
“How I understand the job as the manager of the football club, you have to be interested in all that stuff. I’ve always been at clubs for the long-term so when I see a 16-year-old player who is good, I can always wait for him. That’s why I am really interested in the talent group and all these boys.
“You need to be able to show families that it really makes sense for their boy to be part of the Liverpool Academy.”