News'The whole Academy is doing an unbelievable job'
Jay Spearing has praised the ‘unbelievable’ work being done at Liverpool’s Academy as he reflected on a remarkable few months for the club’s young stars.
The Reds youth coach has seen at close quarters the development of players such as Bobby Clark, Jayden Danns, Lewis Koumas and James McConnell, all of whom have made an impression in Jürgen Klopp’s senior side this season.
Add in the likes of Curtis Jones, Caoimhin Kelleher, Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley, as well as vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold, and the impact of the ongoing work in Kirkby is clear to see.
Speaking in a recent edition of the club’s official matchday programme, Spearing said: “The whole Academy is doing an unbelievable job.
“We might be higher profile because we work with the upper age-groups but it’s not just us that should take the limelight. Whatever age group any boy has joined the club at, every single coach they have had has played a part in their pathway.
“We might look like we’ve made the final step with them because we work with the U18s and U21s but at the end of the day it comes down to Jürgen. He’s the one who trusts the process and has done since he’s been here.
“I think there’s been 40-odd Academy players who have made debuts under Jürgen so he trusts exactly what’s going on below the first team and then he trusts the players. When they cross that white line it’s down to them to go and perform and show what they’re about.
“Every single one of them have deserved their moment and so far they’ve taken their opportunities with both hands.”
Spearing referenced February’s Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea at Wembley, in which Kelleher, Bradley, Quansah, McConnell, Clark and Danns all featured, as a shining example.
“I was sat on the side for the cup final and they’re the moments that we’re all hoping for,” he said.
“We want them to go and play and those moments are why we do all the work behind the scenes, whether it be on the field, in the gym, the video analysis.
“When you see them enjoying success it’s an incredible feeling for all the staff as a collective. Alex [Inglethorpe, Academy director] has to take a lot of credit, as do Bridgey [Marc Bridge-Wilkinson], Barry [Lewtas], the goalkeeping coaches, the fitness coaches, right through to the chefs and staff at the training ground.
“There’s a big process that goes into making these boys ready for the moment when it comes.”
Spearing himself knows what it takes to come through Liverpool’s Academy, having made 55 senior Reds appearances between 2008 and 2012, and jumped at the chance to return as a coach in 2022.
“From my point of view it’s been incredible,” he added. “I wouldn’t change it for the world.
“I was still playing at the time but to come out of the game into this role wasn’t a gamble. To come back and be part of this club again and with the way Alex explained what the role entailed, it was an absolute no-brainer. And it’s lived up to my expectations.”
Spearing mixes his role as a coach with occasional appearances for Lewtas’ U21 side, where he provides an on-pitch coaching presence.
Discussing his responsibilities, he explained: “A big part of my role is speaking to the lads on a daily basis and getting around them to make sure they are OK, see how they are feeling and what they are thinking about the football.
“For instance, some of them will have been on such a high after winning the Carabao Cup and maybe two days later were training with the U21s again. That’s just how football works, it’s not because they’ve not done well. So, it’s just about being mentally ready to adapt and you’ve got to try to keep them steady and prepared for when the next occasion comes along.
“My role is also to guide them through different moments and challenges in games. Are we on top? ‘OK, let’s go for the jugular and try to score a goal.’ Are we under the cosh? ‘Then let’s stick together and fight through it.’ Are there moments when we think we can keep the ball for a bit and not rush things?
“There are different types of moments in games that they have to try to figure out themselves, but I try to guide and teach them so that when I’m on the side as assistant manager they can try to take control of the games themselves.
“We’re trying to squeeze absolutely every single millimetre there is out of them to give them the best opportunity to go and play for this club, and if not this club, at a club somewhere else. But the aim is to try to help them reach their true and highest potential.
“If we keep doing that, then I’m sure that this club will continue to be successful.”