Klopp urges patience as Liverpool youngsters dazzle Exeter

LONDON: Manager Juergen Klopp has tried to temper the weight of expectation on Liverpool’s youngsters, insisting that the talents on display during Wednesday night’s FA Cup win over Exeter City have steep learning curve ahead.

Liverpool ran out 3-0 winners in their third-round replay, with youngsters Joao Teixeira and Brad Smith impressive on the right and midfielders Kevin Stewart and Cameron Brannagan pulling the strings in the middle of the park.

Sheyi Ojo, 18, marked his substitute’s appearance by becoming the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool’s FA Cup history, while Teixeira and Joe Allen also netting to set up a fourth-round clash against West Ham United.

Klopp praised his makeshift team, but cautioned fans to be patient about the youngsters’ prospects in the Premier League, where Liverpool are languishing in ninth place, eight points off the Champions League spots.

“They showed what they are able to do and showed what they still have to learn. Now it is about giving the lads time to develop, not protecting them,” Klopp told reporters.