Teixeira and Firmino add to Klopp's options for No. 10 role
Youngster adds to Klopp's headache - how to fit him with Coutinho, Firmino and Lallana?
FOURTH ROUND
LIVERPOOL 1
(Nathaniel Clyne 18)
BOURNEMOUTH 0
Finally, it's out of the way.
Juergen Klopp got his first win as Liverpool manager as the Reds dumped Bournemouth out of the League Cup and set up a quarter-final tie with Southampton.
With a largely second-string side, the hosts clocked a polished performance against their Premiership counterparts at Anfield yesterday morning (Singapore time), which will go some way towards repairing wounded confidence.
Defender Nathaniel Clyne, one of Liverpool's bright spots this term, notched the solitary goal - his first for the club - but the name on everyone's lips was a player who hadn't featured much.
Joao Teixeira stole the show but, at the same time, adds to Klopp's headache.
Just how is the German going to fit in all those No. 10s into one team?
Against the Cherries, Teixeira, 22, was deployed on the left, boxed out of his most natural position by Roberto Firmino and compromised by his own versatility.
With Chelsea their next obstacle tomorrow, Klopp chose to rest Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana for this cup encounter.
All four flourish in a central role.
Teixeira, who signed from Sporting Lisbon in 2012, finds himself at the right place at the wrong time.
As it turned out, Klopp's decision to deploy Firmino in the position behind striker Divock Origi worked a treat.
The Brazilian put in a Man-of-the-Match performance, his best yet for Liverpool since moving from Hoffenheim for £29 million ($62.2m) during the summer.
WAIT
Teixeira won't find himself moving up the pecking order anytime soon.
But, unlike the excellent Jordon Ibe on the right, the Portuguese is no wing wonder.
His best work in the match came when he cut into the thick of the action.
Like how he glided through the heart of the Bournemouth backline before executing an audacious backheel past the goalkeeper in the 18th minute.
If not for the defender clearing his shot off the line before Clyne guided into the net, it would have been his name on the scoresheet.
Then there was that rasping free-kick which stung the hands of goalkeeper Adam Federici.
A two-footed playmaker blessed with superb technical skills, Teixeira oozes creativity and possesses the intelligence and passing range to control a match at its heartbeat.
Clearly, he is knocking on the doors. Hard.
When Liverpool were chasing victory against Fulham in their 2013/14 league title tilt, with the score tied at 2-2, then-manager Brendan Rodgers turned to Teixeira to replace Raheem Sterling.
And he delivered, providing the pass for Daniel Sturridge, who was subsequently fouled in the penalty box. Steven Gerrard converted the spot-kick winner right at the death.
Last season, on loan at Brighton, Teixeira scored six times and chipped in with four assists in 35 appearances.
Both his managers there, former Reds defender Sami Hyypia and later, Chris Hughton, immediately saw where they could get the best out of the young Portuguese - by playing him behind the striker.
Those statistics may not be mind-blowing but, considering that the Seagulls finished 20th out of 24 in the Championship, it was a fine return all right.
But Teixeira must bide his time if he wants to play in a position which Klopp has a few options at his disposal.
It is a problem the new Reds boss is only too happy to have.
I was impressed. Teixeira — good, Ibe — good, Brannagan — good, Randall — did what he had to do.
- Former Liverpool right back Jason McAteer praising the young Reds
They’re fearless and honestly, they lifted the team a little bit... That might have been the best we’ve seen since Klopp has been here.
- Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson on the impact that the young Reds made
Q-FINAL DRAW
- Middlesbrough* v Evertonl
- Southampton v Liverpooll
- Stoke City v Sheffield Wednesday*
- Man City v Hull City*
*Second-tier League Championship sides.
**To be played in week beginning Nov 30.
LIVERPOOL: Adam Bogdan, Connor Randall, Kolo Toure (Martin Skrtel 33), Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne, Joe Allen, Cameron Brannagan (Lucas Leiva 65), Jordon Ibe, Roberto Firmino (Adam Lallana 87), Joao Carlos Teixeira, Divock Origi
BOURNEMOUTH: Adam Federici, Simon Francis, Adam Smith, Sylvain Distin, Charlie Daniels, Shaun MacDonald, Marc Pugh, Matt Ritchie, Harry Arter (Joshua King 71), Junior Stanislas (Tokelo Rantie 82), Yann Kermongant (Lee Tomlin 71)
Klopp lauds young side
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hopes his players have rediscovered the winning feeling and start to make more progress.
The 1-0 League Cup victory over Bournemouth yesterday morning (Singapore time) was a first for the German in four matches since he took over from Brendan Rodgers and could not have been better timed with a trip to Chelsea tomorrow.
It was only their second win achieved in 90 minutes since mid-August - coincidentally when Bournemouth were the visitors in the Premier League - and prevented a club record-equalling sixth successive draw.
After they conceded a late goal to draw at home to Southampton last Sunday, Klopp had suggested confidence was so low among the squad they had virtually forgotten how to win, but admits a much-changed side - only Nathaniel Clyne and Divock Origi were retained - put that issue to bed.
"I saw in the eyes of all the players they wanted to win. I think the players understood better how to win. They want to do what I say," he said.
"We had two meetings after Southampton and we understood why we had drawn and (against Bournemouth) we were the better team with a completely new team.
"I am nearly surprised why it is so good in this moment because, normally when a new player comes in at the time or for pre-season, you lose some quality because they have to change other things in their game.
"That is the same with my team now (having to change methods from Rodgers) but it was really good because these young players don't think too much and that is important.
"They think about football and not pressure and I think they know why they won."
Klopp also has no doubts about the quality of Roberto Firmino after the playmaker had his best game for the club.
The Brazil international (below) had a hand in the goal and was Liverpool's most threatening player.
FAMILIAR FIRMINO
Klopp knows plenty about the £29-million ($62.2m) arrival from Hoffenheim, having watched him many times as Borussia Dortmund boss and is pleased to see the 24-year-old starting to come into his own.
"It is important for a new player when he comes to a club to show this, but he does not have to show me because I know him very well," said Klopp.
"We know a little bit more about him, it was very intensive for him tonight.
"He is ready. He is prepared for this league, he is physically strong, a good technician and usually he is a good finisher. A good player." - PA Sport.
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