AcademyU21s reaction: 'We're disappointed - but we acquitted ourselves well'

The Reds were beaten 2-1 in their opening match of Group C in the Premier League International Cup at the Academy on Wednesday evening.

Jayden Danns struck late for Liverpool after Lucas Michal and Enzo Baglieri had earlier given Monaco a two-goal advantage with efforts either side of half-time.

Vitezslav Jaros also saved a penalty in added time at the end of the contest, with Lucas Pitt receiving a second yellow card for a foul on substitute Bechir Yacoub.

Lewtas was left with mixed emotions post-match, having been pleased by the application shown by his players in what was a tough contest.

"I was disappointed in the end we didn't get anything from the game," Lewtas told Liverpoolfc.com.

"Yeah, a little bit unfortunate, Josh [Davidson] slipped in the middle for the first goal, which was a shame for him because I think he did ever so well in the first half, and then I thought the second goal was a foul.

"Again, we slipped in the middle of the pitch and it caused a little bit of a problem. But apart from those two goals I didn't think there was much in the game."

Lewtas added: "I thought we probably deserved something. But I think to cover that, it's a group that's been put together, there's lots of young players and I thought they really acquitted themselves well.

"They stuck together, played some good stuff at times... probably just showed near the end a little bit that we need to keep the ball better and not force it to try to get the equaliser, maybe make one more pass. But overall, disappointed not to get anything from the game because we deserved it."

On the chances missed by his team, Lewtas noted: "I think they're the fine margins in these games. When you play against top opposition you don't get lots and lots of clear chances. I thought we missed a couple tonight and obviously with the goals that went in, in the manner they did, they are the real fine margins in close games."

The young Reds return to action against Crystal Palace in Premier League 2 on Sunday, facing a swift turnaround to play their third game in seven days.

"It's something we've been used to last year, to be fair; we played a lot more Saturday and midweek games all the way through," Lewtas said.

"It's felt a little bit strange training as much as we have trained. So, yeah, maybe [we will get] a bit more into a bit of rhythm. I'm pleased with where the boys have been this season with all the changes we make in the games.

"I think we've shown a good level of play, maybe sometimes a little lack of consistency during games, but that's going to happen when the team is so kind of new and kind of put together.

"So, we look forward to Crystal Palace, it's always a close game and a tough game. Let's see how it goes."