It looks like the academy at Kirkby has been left just to continue its good work since the appointment of Jurgen Klopp as manager last October.
In an interview with the Liverpool Echo, Under 23 manager Michael Beale has said that the German opted to change very little in how the academy works after he became manager. When asked about whether there had been many changes, he replied:
“No, not really. My strong link is with all the first team staff but on a daily basis it’s with (first team coach) Pep Lijnders. We’re very close, speaking every moment about the players. We had a very clear philosophy here at the Academy before Jurgen came. The U18s and the U23s would take on a little bit tactically of what the manager wants but at the same time when you look at the 11 you have in your team it might not fit that, so you have to be flexible because it’s youth development.”
Usually when a new manager comes in, a whole raft of changes follow them with movements in the backroom staff, adjustments to training sessions and even a total restructuring of the youth system. Under Klopp however, Rodgers appointments Academy director Alex Inglethorpe and Under 23 manager Beale have remained in place. Considering their success with academy players in recent seasons with the likes of Kevin Stewart, Ovie Ejaria, Ryan Kent, Pedro Chirivella, Cameron Brannagan and Sheyi Ojo all making their senior debuts, it is no surprise Klopp has opted for the status quo.
