NewsU21s head coach Rob Page: Chesterfield reflections and friendly plans
Liverpool U21s head coach Rob Page was pleased with the character shown by his players in their fightback at Chesterfield in the Vertu Trophy.
The Reds came from two goals down late on in midweek to draw 2-2 against their League Two opponents.
Page's outfit then went on to secure a bonus point in a penalty shootout with an 11-10 victory, though it was not enough to advance from the group stage.
Liverpool U21s are now without a competitive fixture until January 9, when they take on Norwich City in Premier League 2.
Following the positive result at Chesterfield, Page gave his post-match thoughts to Liverpoolfc.com, while also explaining the plans for his team to contest friendlies ahead of the New Year.
Read his reaction below…
On the penalty shootout victory over Chesterfield...
They showed good character to come back, absolutely. They're against a good team. I know the manager [Paul Cook] and how he likes to play. We knew we were in for a tough test, but I thought they showed great character to come back and scored two great goals.
On a change in shape and moving his squad around...
I thought we had three of the best chances in the first half, if I'm honest. We were disappointed to come in at half-time not having taken the lead. There were a lot of positives in the performance. We put a different shape out there. We have Kieran [Morrison] away, Trent [Kone-Doherty] away, Figgy [Keyrol Figueroa] away, [Amara] Nallo away and we've got Dannsy [Jayden Danns] injured and Will Wright injured. So, we didn't really have an out-and-out centre-forward, so we had to be a little bit creative in the shape and formation with what we did.
I thought big Rhys [Williams] stepped up and did really well. Carter [Pinnington] as well. It was an opportunity to play a different shape and give them an opportunity to try something different and I thought they did really well. We went to a back four late on in the game when we were chasing and Wellity [Lucky] played right-back and I thought he gave another good performance as well. There were lots of positives.
On the pressure of taking penalties...
It's giving the lads experience. All the lads who took penalties will have enjoyed it and learned something from going through that experience. They'll benefit from that in future penalty shootouts.
On the plan now with no competitive games scheduled until January...
We've got a few friendlies planned in December. We've got some opportunities and windows to play, which we will do. It's important we give the lads minutes. Some will be trying to push to get out on loan in January so they'll be important games for us. We'll have a couple of days to sit back and reflect and then organise friendlies when we need them.
On players taking their chance when they get minutes...
When you give players opportunities it's over to them. They've got the jersey and it's up to them to go and give a performance. I thought the ones who were given the jerseys [against Chesterfield] stepped up and delivered.