The chance presented itself, in Jurgen Klopp’s opinion, as the Reds started their preseason schedule with a victory.
Diogo Jota scored twice in the last seconds of regulation to add to goals by Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo to help his team defeat Karlsruher SC, a German second division team, 4-2 on Wednesday.
Right-back Conor Bradley and midfielder Bobby Clark, both Academy graduates, received Klopp’s starting assignments before Jarell Quansah, Calum Scanlon, James McConnell, Ben Doak, and Lewis Koumas were added to the lineup in the second half.
The Reds manager was thrilled with their performance, which took place in front of a boisterous 34,000 spectators on the occasion of the reopened BBBank Wildpark stadium in Karlsruhe.
“We saw the kids’ talent,” remarked Klopp. “To be honest, it was really enjoyable to watch James (McConnell) play a six today after never having done so before. Bobby Clark performed admirably in the first half.
Oh my God, Ben Doak, seeing these kids is so entertaining. Calum (Scanlon), who I’ve only known for nine days, was present despite having previously been hurt. Conor Bradley was excellent when (Lewis) Koumas came on.
“We know the kids are excellent, and the others are excellent already. Because it’s so difficult for them right now, some of them may occasionally need to squeeze through tiny cracks.
Early on, Nunez had given Karlsruher the lead before Lars Stindl and Sebastian Jung responded with blazing goals each side of halftime.
And Klopp continued, “We might have lost this game because the two goals they (Karlsruher SC) scored were just stunning. I’d say it was hard to defend them. Although I couldn’t say much about our outside of the box organisation, you still need to strike the ball like they did (for the first goal) to score. It was one of a kind.
But for now, (the performance) is perfectly OK.
Alisson Becker was a noticeable absence as he skipped the game out of caution, joining Jordan Henderson, who is close to joining Saudi Pro League team Al-Ettifaq.
