'We can't wait for the mini-derby under the lights'
Liverpool U18s host Everton in a top-of-the-table clash on Thursday night - and Barry Lewtas is relishing the prospect of a mini-derby under the Academy floodlights.
Everton lead the way in the U18s Premier League and sit four points clear of the second-placed Reds, who have a game in hand on their neighbours.
Liverpool head into Thursday's match on the back of a seven-game winning streak at U18 level, however.
And Lewtas can't wait to take on the table-topping Blues in an evening match you can watch live on LFCTV and LFCTV GO.
Read on for the U18s' manager's pre-game thoughts...
On the clash with Everton...
We are all really excited and looking forward to it. We are really pleased with how we have started the season and how things are going, and I can only imagine they are even happier. They sit top of the league and are on a fantastic run because they haven’t lost all season. We know we are in for a tough game, but at the same time it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to impose on them the way we want to play against good opposition. It’s fantastic to play it under the lights on our home ground and hopefully we can get a good crowd in to come and watch and create a bit of an atmosphere. It’s a top-of-the-league clash and the boys and staff are really excited. Hopefully it will be a good evening.
On the key to winning a derby game...
The way we want to play and our identity is so important. I’m really keen for us to try and impose that on the opposition and that includes the better teams in the league - and Everton are certainly one of those. For us to try and impose our style both in and out of possession is crucial because I think that’s been really key to us this season so far, the way we have pressed and how organised we have been in those situations. The beauty of these games is there a bit on it with it being a derby, a local rivalry and a top-of-the-table game, and hopefully if these boys continue to progress with us this will always be a big game for them. The boys will play under a certain amount of pressure and we want to make sure they perform both individually and collectively in those moments. It will be a really good test for them. It is just another game, though, in terms of it’s just another challenge and the boys work ever so hard throughout the week. They have got plenty of experience because they have played against Everton many times throughout their Academy lives. It’s not something new, they know what it’s about and what it means, so we are excited.
On the importance of defending well against Everton’s strong attack…
They have got two boys up front who have scored a number of goals like our boys have this season, so we are going to have to be good at both ends of the pitch. It will be a real good challenge for us and we have got to make sure we perform at our best and then we can see where the game takes us.
Watch highlights of Wolves 0-3 LFC U18s
On the 3-0 away win at Wolves in the U18s' last league game…
It was a very good performance. It was a difficult game in terms of the way they were set up. They were well organised, but what helped us was that we scored early. We played ever so well in terms of keeping the ball and dominating possession in their half. We then got a second goal and it deflated them a little bit, which helped.
On the spectacular overhead kick assist from Rhys Williams for Paul Glatzel’s strike at Wolves…
He keeps telling me he meant it but I’m not so sure! It certainly looked good and whether it was a cross or an assist we’ll give him it! We scored three really good goals and our approach play was really good. We created numerous chances and that was really pleasing. Keeping a clean sheet at the other end is always a positive too.
On a dramatic win for the U19s against Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Youth League…
Although obviously people were asking me if I getting frustrated because the goals weren’t going in, I really enjoyed the game. I thought we played ever so well both collectively and individually and created so many opportunities. Our attacking play and approach play was brilliant and I thought it was a really good advert for what we are trying to do in terms of the style we are trying to play. It was what we deserved in the end, and obviously a cruel blow for them, but it was easily deserved with the amount of shots we had on goal.
On Williams, who scored a stoppage-time winner versus Red Star...
Rhys has done well this season. I think will be disappointed with the goal we conceded so for him to go up the other end and make amends was really pleasing for him. His heading ability is good and he is a threat in those situations - he can score goals every time we put a good ball into the box. I have to say it was a fantastic delivery from Adam Lewis right at the end of the game, first class to produce a cross of that quality. It was a towering header and Rhys showed great technique. I enjoyed the celebrations from the boys as well. It was a really good day and then night when we took them to watch the first team at Anfield.
On the consistent eye-catching displays of Leighton Clarkson in midfield…
His passing has been really good for us and it’s something we have spoken to him about a lot. His passing is his strength and he has got to make sure he doesn’t give the ball away and is creative. Leighton has got the ability to pass the ball forward and control games so at the moment his performances have been good. He understands what is required of him and the expectations we have for him in terms of his passing. It has been really pleasing that he has been able to get into the team and credit to him for the way he has managed to keep the shirt. He needs to keep going.