Liverpool vs. Bournemouth: Key Jurgen Klopp Quotes from Pre-Match Presser

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed he's been surprised by the progress made by his players in the early stages of his tenure, even though he has yet to oversee a victory as the team’s boss.

The German was addressing the media on Tuesday ahead of Liverpool’s last-16 showdown with Bournemouth in the League Cup. Despite drawing all three of his matches in charge, the 48-year-old told the assembled press he was shocked by the amount of improvement made, per Andy Kelly of the Liverpool Echo:

Klopp admitted there will be a chance for some youngsters to make their mark in the first team against Bournemouth, insisting he feels the best way to progress in the competition is by making some tweaks to the personnel included in the XI, per Hamish Mackay of the Daily Mirror:

"

We have to change the team a bit. I don’t know how many changes we will make. I make the changes not because this tournament is not important. It is always because we believe we can win with the team we play. It is what we will do with this team. …

We will see who can train today, and then we will make a team with for sure one or two young players. I really want to win and that is the reason why we change.

"

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However, the Reds chief was adamant that the game against Bournemouth is one they will be taking extremely seriously, per the Liverpool Twitter feed:

Klopp was also quizzed on the significance of bringing local talents through the academy into the first team. It’s an identity the Reds have failed to replace since the departures of men like Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard, meaning a lot of Merseysiders are looking to the next generation for a homegrown hero.

The manager played down the importance of having a core of local players in the first team, but insisted he has the patience to give burgeoning youngsters chances, per Joe Rimmer of the Liverpool Echo:

"

I don’t think it’s possible to bring through players just because they are local. We have to learn we have to give these players enough time for improvement.

I spoke for a long time with the chief of our academy. It is a reason why I’m here (developing players). We all want the same, to be successful. But maybe I’m more patient than other people.

"

Jan Kruger/Getty Images

One young player a lot at Anfield are particularly excited about is Cameron Brannagan, as is evident by the fact the midfielder agreed a new long-term contract with the club earlier this week, per Kelly.

Klopp had high praise for the midfielder when asked about the contract during the press conference, per the Liverpool Twitter feed:

While a few fresh faces could be set to take their place in the team for the visit of Eddie Howe’s men, one player who won’t feature is Daniel Sturridge.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

The England international striker has yet to play a minute since Klopp arrived at the club and the new Liverpool boss confirmed his recovery process is still ongoing, ruling him out of the League Cup clash, per Kelly:

As noted by Rimmer, the Liverpool boss was asked about the possibility of bringing some players out on loan back in January, although Klopp admitted he wasn’t entirely sure of the rules in respect of a possible recall. Mario Balotelli and Lazar Markovic are both temporarily away from Anfield with Milan and Fenerbahce, respectively.

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Getting that first win will come as a welcome relief to the German. As Liverpool get set to welcome a Bournemouth team who have conceded 10 goals in their last two matches, are injury-ravaged and likely to focus on their upcoming Premier League game instead of the Anfield clash, it’s unlikely Klopp will get a better chance.

While the League Cup is much maligned, this competition presents a big opportunity for the manager to win some silverware early in his tenure and become even more popular with the supporters. Therefore, it’s vital Klopp notches his first win against the Cherries on Wednesday evening and Liverpool edge closer to a Wembley date in 2016.