Published on 15.12.2023
Liverpool’s youngest-ever European squad struggled to compete in the Europa League match against Union Saint Gilloise in Brussels.
Jurgen Klopp decided to rest his key players for their upcoming Premier League game against Manchester United. This gave an opportunity for academy players Ben Doak, Kaide Gordon, Luke Chambers, and Conor Bradley to start the match.
Despite the loss, there was a highlight for Liverpool as 20-year-old center-back Jarell Quansah scored his first senior goal of the season. Quansah became their 14th different scorer this season and also equalled a club record by scoring in their 34th successive match.
La Royale Union Saint-Gilloise just beat Liverpool Football Club. Historic scenes. 💛💙 pic.twitter.com/roPGeO9FRC
— Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (@UnionStGilloise) December 14, 2023
Looking ahead to Sunday’s game against Manchester United, Klopp has confirmed that Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Alisson Becker will return after being rested for this Europa League fixture.
After the match, Klopp defended his decision to field an experimental side and praised the academy products’ efforts. He emphasized that he would not judge any player based on one performance and acknowledged that making too many changes affected team rhythm.
Overall, while Liverpool’s young guns faced a tough challenge in Brussels against Union Saint Gilloise with a depleted squad due to resting key players ahead of an important Premier League clash with Manchester United on Sunday.
Despite losing 2-1 in this dead rubber encounter where only pride was at stake as top spot had already been secured by Liverpool beforehand; there were some positive moments such as Jarell Quansah scoring his first senior goal which equaled a club record of scoring in consecutive matches.
The focus is now on regaining momentum before facing rivals Man Utd at home on Sunday with Salah et al set return from being left out during Thursday night’s trip abroad!
Liverpool advanced as the leading team in the group despite their second loss, while Union’s victory secured them a spot in the play-offs for the Europa Conference League.
