It isn’t just Arne Slot’s side who will be stepping into a new European era today. A few hours before the seniors walk out at the San Siro, Liverpool return to the UEFA Youth League after an absence of a year.
After the first team regained their place in the Champions League, a Reds under-19 side will once again pit their wits against the best academy teams from across Europe, with the new league format mirroring the scheduled revamped main competition – albeit without the final two additional games.
Liverpool will therefore begin their UEFA Youth League programme against AC Milan at the Centro Sportivo Vismara this afternoon (kick-off 1.30pm).
“I suppose this time it gives us six games against six different opponents,” says U21s coach Barry Lewtas, who will take charge of the team. “The challenge is that little bit different but what’s great about that is it gives us exposure to playing against six different teams, so from a player point of view it’s great to test their wits against those different sides.
“For us as staff, it’s a really good opportunity as well to come up against six different European teams.
“But it’s an exciting opportunity for the players because of the number of players in the past who played in this competition going on to play for the first team. It’s a real good stepping stone and a test in their young career.”
The value of the UEFA Youth League can be seen in current first-team squad members Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Conor Bradley and Tyler Morton all gaining valuable experience with Liverpool in the competition.
