AcademyFA Youth Cup preview: 'Enjoy the challenge and do the Liverpool badge proud'
Simon Wiles has urged his Liverpool U18s side to embrace the opportunity of playing in the FA Youth Cup and give everything for the badge.
The young Reds begin their journey in this season's edition by hosting Charlton Athletic in the third round on Saturday.
A number of players from Wiles' squad featured in the UEFA Youth League defeat at Internazionale in midweek, though qualification for the Round of 32 had already been secured with a game to spare.
Kick-off against the Addicks at the Academy is 3pm GMT – read on as head coach Wiles previews the tie with Liverpoolfc.com.
On the defeat in Milan…
Disappointing result. However, we had lots of good opportunities throughout the game, especially in the last 15 minutes of the first half where we were winning the ball more in their half, forcing mistakes and creating good chances. On another day we could have been coming in 2-2 at half-time. The next goal was always going to be the important one and unfortunately didn't go our way. The game gave us the opportunity to give some of the younger players exposure to the UEFA Youth League competition. It was fantastic to see the likes of Hadyn [Murray-Holme], Finn [Inglethorpe] and Erik [Farkas] all getting invaluable minutes to further their development.
The competition has given lots of opportunities for our U18s and, due to the injuries we have faced over the last two months, lots of our younger players within the group have been involved and had a taste of the fixtures. These challenges against top opponents are exactly what we want for the players. The experience of playing against different styles, different formations, playing in different countries, there are so many learning opportunities which will benefit the development of each individual.
On the important return of Lucas Clarke from injury at the back…
It was great to see Lucas return. He has had a good start to his scholarship. Unfortunately, he has been out for four weeks but returned in the U17s cup game against West Bromwich Albion last week. I'm sure he was delighted when he saw his name in the starting line-up against Inter Milan. We're pleased to have him back and competing. He's a good defender, eager to learn and improve.
On his pride at leading the team in the FA Youth Cup...
I'm really excited. It's my first time in the competition with the club. The players are looking forward to it as well. It can really bring some fantastic memories and we're looking forward to the challenge of Charlton Athletic.
On the test posed by Charlton...
It's going to be a challenging fixture. They have a good set-up and produce players from their academy. They are having a really good season so far. They have good players and it's going to be a competitive cup tie, one we're looking forward to.
On what it would mean for the group to win the final game of 2025…
It would be nice for the players. They have had lots of exposure to a variety of home fixtures this season – whether it's been U17s, U18s or U19s – with some good moments during the fixtures. It would be great for them to end the year with a performance.
On what the approach to this cup tie will be…
We treat every game the same. Our focus and approach is always on what we do and how we can represent the club in the best possible way. The message is to enjoy the challenge, to enjoy working hard for each other and to do the badge proud.