We lost composure, admits Liverpool FC youth coach Rodolfo Borrell

Mar 14 2011 Liverpool Echo

RODOLFO BORRELL has urged his Liverpool side to learn from yesterday’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to Manchester United in the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup.

The Academy coach insisted there were “no excuses” after the Reds let slip a 2-0 lead at Anfield.

The game turned on the decision to award United a penalty and send off Reds defender Stephen Sama just before the hour mark.

United fought back and it finished nine aside with visiting duo Paul Pogba and Tyler Blackett seeing red along with Liverpool skipper Conor Coady.

“It’s disappointing and frustrating to lose with such a big crowd here,” Borrell said.

“We lost our composure when we received the red card and the penalty.

“We weren’t at the level as a team we need to be straight after that.

“I don’t think we have to look for excuses. We have to be a bit more mature in these moments.

“We lost control and our shape. It hurts because it’s the Youth Cup, it’s at Anfield and you are winning 2-0 against Manchester United.

“The most important thing is that we must learn from this situation.”

The Spaniard is looking for a positive reaction from his youngsters who had embarked on a run of nine straight wins.

“Obviously they are young but they have to learn and learn quick if they want to make the step forward into our first team because they are not too far away,” he added.

“Liverpool is a club with a winning atmosphere. You need to create players who are mature in these situations. Winning games is part of creating a winning mentality.

“The lads need to understand they are at Liverpool and they need to bounce back as soon as possible.”