Everyone is involved in Liverpool’s quest to win League Cup, says assistant boss Pep Lijnders

LONDON – Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders believes that his team are all in it together, ahead of their League Cup semi-final, second leg at Fulham on Jan 24.

The Reds are leading 2-1 on aggregate, having trailed to an early goal from the Cottagers in the first leg at Anfield earlier in January before fighting back with two strikes in front of the Kop.

That result meant that Fulham must win at home against the nine-time winners, if they are to make it to Wembley in February in hopes of their first major trophy.

Liverpool, however, are not backing down as Lijnders pointed to the hunger of every player.

“Playing a semi-final is great and the chance to go to Wembley, an iconic stadium,” said the Dutchman, who was on media duty on Jan 23 in place of manager Jurgen Klopp.

“It all impacts development and gives players constant opportunities. When they know they are not playing today but a Cup game next week, they train better.

“Everyone is involved, you are (aiming to) reach finals. It’s important and it gives opportunities.”

One of those who will relish his chance to make a difference is striker Darwin Nunez, who scored only five Premier League goals before his brace against Bournemouth to take his tally to seven in 20 league games.

“We’re really happy with him,” added Lijnders. “Each game he creates six chances by himself.

“If he trains how he trains, the goals will come because the team are creating. He will get better, improve and he is already important. It is nice to see.”

After an 11-day mid-season winter break, Liverpool were back in Premier League action over the weekend.

Klopp’s men defeated Bournemouth 4-0, thanks to two goals each from Nunez and Diogo Jota to move five points clear at the top of the standings – although they have played one game more than second-placed Manchester City.

The Reds, who last won the League Cup in 2021-2022, have beaten Fulham in seven of their last 10 encounters, including their last three in a row. The Cottagers have won only once.

They have also shown that they are not missing their talisman and top scorer Mohamed Salah much. The Egyptian forward is at the Africa Cup of Nations but is returning soon to Merseyside for treatment on an injury.

Nevertheless, Liverpool have won all three matches in his absence and scored eight times, with the goals spread among the team.

“I know the country is devastated to lose him,” said Lijnders. “The only reason ours and their medical team decided for him to come back is to give the best chance to make the final if Egypt reach it.

“The expected return to play is three or four weeks.”

There was better news as Lijnders confirmed that Andy Robertson, Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones should all be available to face Fulham if required.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kostas Tsimikas are also nearing returns.

Fulham manager Marco Silva’s men have lost five of their last eight matches in all competitions. However, a 2-1 home win over Arsenal came in that run, so they are still capable of a shock victory if Liverpool take their foot off the gas.

“We have a chance against Liverpool to make history, and we will give everything,” said midfielder Joao Palhinha. “We know what we will face, it is something important for the club, for us.

“But we know it will be really, really tough. They are in a good moment... but the most important thing in football is the present and we will try to beat them and make history.”

Silva will have to make do without the injured Adama Traore and Calvin Bassey, Fode Ballo-Toure and Alex Iwobi, who are all at the Africa Cup of Nations.