Marco Silva admits what Liverpool did way better than Fulham during last night’s game

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Fulham boss Marco Silva cut a frustrated figure throughout last night’s aggregate defeat to Liverpool.

The Cottagers managed to hold Liverpool to a 1-1 draw in the second-leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final. However, having been beaten 2-1 at Anfield a fortnight ago, the result wasn’t enough to see them into the final.

In large parts Fulham disappointed last night. Although the match ended as a draw, Liverpool were relatively comfortable throughout. And speaking in his post-match press conference via fulhamfc.com, Silva admitted that Liverpool had dealt with the occasion far better than his own players.

“First 30 minutes were difficult for us,” said the Portuguese coach. “Probably too emotional, probably a bit more nervous than Liverpool.

“The details make the difference. Tonight, I felt that they were much calmer than us. For them it’s another game. And for most of our players, probably apart from three or four or five, it’s new for them to play Semi-Finals of this competition.”

Silva rues Fulham nerves

While this is true for a lot of the Liverpool players last night, it also shouldn’t simply be brushed over. The Reds did have a lot of youth in their team, too.

For example, the right-side of the defence consisted of two 20-year-old’s. As Virgil van Dijk said after the game, both Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah did really well. But that doesn’t change the fact that they’ve played 28 senior Liverpool games between them.

Meanwhile, Fulham’s left forward on the night was Willian. A man with 70 Brazil caps to his name and a winner of this competition – and others – with Chelsea. He’s far from being a kid.

It’s also worth pointing out that of the 14 players Jurgen Klopp used last night, exactly half were playing in their first Carabao Cup semi-final.

Bobby Clark was a third youngster on the pitch at the end, while Ryan Gravenberch and Harvey Elliott are just 21 and 20 respectively. This is not the experienced Liverpool side of old.

Nevertheless, it’s inarguable that the Reds coped with the occasion the better of the two teams.

Silva should be frustrated by that as there was something there for them over the two legs.

Had they been able to get their heads on a little straighter, they had the tools to hurt Liverpool. As it was the club’s first ever semi-final of this competition, they shouldn’t be too downbeat that they couldn’t.

But as that poor record would suggest, it could be a while before they’re back and in with a chance again. An opportunity missed.