What Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp told Jarell Quansah ahead of unexpected debut
Young Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah was handed a surprise first-team bow in the dramatic win at Newcastle on Sunday afternoon
Jarell Quansah has revealed what he was told by Jurgen Klopp seconds before he was thrown on for a shock senior Liverpool debut at Newcastle United.
The 20-year-old centre-back, who spent the second half of last season on loan at League One side Bristol Rovers, was introduced in place of Joel Matip with 13 minutes remaining on a dramatic Sunday afternoon in the North East.
The Reds at that point were 1-0 down and had seen captain Virgil van Dijk sent off after less than half-an-hour, only for a late double from substitute Darwin Nunez – introduced at the same time as Quansah – to earn an unlikely 2-1 triumph for Klopp’s side.
Quansah, at the Liverpool Academy since the age of five, has previously been an unused substitute three times for the first team and featured in every game during pre-season, having earlier in the summer represented England in the U20 World Cup in Argentina.
And as he prepared on the touchline for his unexpected debut on Sunday, the centre-back was given a simple message by Klopp.
“The manager said that I am ready for it, and I felt ready,” he said. “As ready as you can be in this scenario – you don’t expect to make your debut with 10 men away from home at St James’ Park when 1-0 down.
“I’m normally cool anyway but it’s easier when something is sprung on you and you have the adrenaline running through your veins.”
Asked if he now wants more first-team football, Quansah added: “100%! It’s what dreams are made of. It’s a cliche but so true. I’m ready for whatever comes.”
The defender also revealed how the Liverpool squad reacted after the game and pinpointed the key to a famous victory that could prove a springboard for the season.
“The dressing room was unbelievable (after the game), the emotion from everyone coming out,” said Quansah to LFC TV. “Just wow. This can be a catalyst for better things, I don’t think we will get a tougher time this season. To be 1-0 down and down to 10 men at St James’ Park and still win, it’s a great sign for the future.
“It was easy to go under but we have strong characters in the group. You could see when Virgil the captain went off, everybody else is ready to step up. It was easy for us to go three or 4-0 down especially at St James’ Park where there was a great atmosphere. But the senior players stuck in there and kept it a 1-0 and with the quality on the bench, you’re always going to be in the game.”
