Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is planning for some more changes at the club. The German had earlier stated that he wants more players from the youth system to fill into the team, rather than him signing players from the market. And the German wants to be closer to the youth team according to reports from the Express.
Plans are being set for the joining up of the first-team and academy so that Klopp is closer to the youth team. This could mean that the Reds could move out of their Melwood complex, which has been used by the Premier League club for years.
Melwood is located nearly six miles away from Kirkby, where the youth team and academy is based. This distance is a problem for the German and has been seen as a separation from academy director Alex Inglethorpe.
The options for the Reds
While many would expect Melwood to be reworked on, especially after former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier, transformed the site in 2001. But the lack of space is a problem that might not be solvable.
The other option could be to move the entire team across to Kirkby but that would make it tough to visit Anfield on a regular basis. There are other studies being conducted to find a viable solution as Klopp looks at the long-term planning at the club.
Youngsters on the rise at Liverpool
The idea to combine the first-team and youth system isn’t the worst at the moment. Klopp wants more young blood in the side and there were more than a few youngsters who played in the EFL Cup win over Tottenham.
Ovie Ejaria and Trent Alexander-Arnold did pretty well for the side and likes of Kevin Stewart are already knocking on the door of the starting XI. The Reds have more youth products that could break into the squad if given more time. Ben Woodburn, Sheyi Ojo and Cameron Brannagan are also in line to play more games for the senior side.
Liverpool have had a history of producing great academy products but the last notable player has to be Raheem Sterling. Players such as Jon Flanagan and Jordon Ibe have not been able to live up to their hype and are now plying their trade elsewhere.
Klopp also has a record of trusting youth products and churning out talent at Borussia Dortmund and the fact that he wants to keep a closer eye on the youngsters can only mean good news for the Reds.
Liverpool seems to be in safe hands with Klopp and this amalgamation could lead to great things for the Reds.
