AcademyU21s: Barry Lewtas on pride in display at Tottenham and 'unbelievable' Klopp era

Lewis Koumas gave the young Reds the lead at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday night, but the hosts reacted strongly to lead 3-1.

An own goal and a brilliant effort from James Norris brought it back to 3-3, before Kieran Morrison and Koumas each almost won it in stoppage time.

However, after extra-time, Spurs prevailed 5-4 in the shootout to inflict defeat on the U21s in their final game of the season.

“Obviously I was gutted for the lads as I don’t think they could have given much more,” head coach Lewtas told Liverpoolfc.com.

“It was a fantastic advert for youth football and credit to both teams. I thought we both went at it, trying to win, and in the end we were edged out in a penalty shootout.

“There was nothing between both teams on the night and sometimes you can’t win every game. But I don’t think we could have done much more to win.”

Lewtas also reflected on the spirit and desire of his team as they fought back from 3-1 down to almost win the tie.

“We spoke a little bit about that after the game because earlier on in the season we played Middlesbrough away and we lost 4-1,” he added.

“We were a young group coming together and we learned a lot from that experience because we let the game go away from us when it went to 4-1.

“When Tottenham got their third goal we managed to stop them scoring again and we didn’t let the game get away from us. It was similar to the game the week before when we came from 2-0 down to beat Crystal Palace 3-2.

“We know we can regain momentum and gain control and give ourselves a real chance. We didn’t panic and we knew we had to get the next goal at 3-1 and gain control again.

“We got it to 3-2 and it was game on again and we kept pushing from there. Every single one of the players gave everything out there. The performances all over the pitch were first-class.

“Tottenham obviously finished top of the league before the play-offs started and we knew how much of a tough game it would be, but we went there with the attitude of, ‘We can beat them’ and we played on the front foot, we pressed well, we attacked well, created lots of chances and we took part in a really good game.”

Lewtas also spoke about his gratitude to outgoing manager Jürgen Klopp and his backroom staff for their support throughout their time at the club.

“In terms of that journey, it has been unbelievable,” he said.

“The opportunity the first-team staff have given players has been unbelievable and I have to say the support they have given me has been unbelievable as well.

“It has been a long and busy season and there will also be reflection at the end of it for what has been an unbelievable period of time.”