 |
| NEWS STORY |
ABLETT HAPPY AS THE LOAN ARRANGER
Liverpoolfc.tv
05 July 2008
|
|
Gary Ablett speaks to LFC Magazine's John Hynes and David Randles about why he feels some of the club's youngsters will benefit from loan spells in the lower leagues.
|
One of the most surprising aspects of the reserves league title success last season was the youthful nature of the squad, with the vast majority of the personnel used still being in their teens.
That tactic was deliberately employed by Gary Ablett for two reasons.
Firstly it gave his youngsters more playing time and secondly it allowed him to send some older members of the squad out on loan.
The results were obviously profitable and it's a policy that may be employed again over the next 12 months.
"I don't see why not," Ablett said when asked about the possibility of loaning out more players during the 2008/09 season.
"I've spoken with Rafa Benitez about it in the past and I believe that especially the foreign lads need to do it and experience what the English game is actually like.
"For example, I don't really see the point in sending the Spanish boys back to Spain when they really need to adjust to the style of the game in this country.
"Although they may be more comfortable in their native league, we need to get them used to what they'll be involved in here where the football is very fast paced and physically competitive. It gets more and more like that lower down the divisions depending on what level we pitch a player in at."
Getting to play regular first team games while away from Melwood is obviously the priority for the individuals who join new clubs on a temporary basis. But there is a downside to the process.
"Physically we would probably notice quite a dramatic drop in a players level when he returns from being out on loan," Ablett says.
"They are often not at the same fitness requirements as they were when they left us. It's only natural, although it’s obviously an important factor that we need to look at closely and take into consideration."
Joining a new side - even on a temporary basis - can be a daunting prospect for young players so do the Liverpool coaching staff keep in regular contact with those who move away?
"How often we get in touch might depend on the player," Ablett says.
"Someone like Paul Anderson will ring up and ask for advice at times, or may pop back into Melwood for a chat.
"We are always here for them but sometimes you just have to let them go and stand on their own two feet. They don't really want me ringing them up every other day asking how they're getting on and what they've been up to.
"You've got to leave them alone to experience why it is we've sent them out there. If they don't need advice from me maybe they will find someone who can provide it where they are.
"Naturally we keep an eye on their progress and how they're performing. But we don't tell them when we're watching games. That allows them to get on with the job."
For more information on the club's matchday programme and weekly magazine, and to subscribe online now, click here>>
|
|
|
|
