Liverpool’s U-19 team has found itself in the semifinals of the NextGen series. Despite losing 1-0 against Tottenham Hotspur in the quarterfinals, the Reds are back in the tournament after Tottenham withdrew its own team, according to LiverpoolFC.tv.
Darren Eales, Tottenham’s director of football administration, said, “It is with regret that we have decided to withdraw from the semi finals of the NextGen Tournament due to an accidental breach of a competition regulation. We have done so fully respecting the tournament regulations.”
The inauguaral NextGen series kicked off in August. It is a tournament featuring academy teams from 16 of the top clubs in Europe, giving players and teams the opportunity to showcase talent and play in a tough competition for six months.
The winner of the FC Barcelona versus Ajax game on Feb. 8 will face Liverpool in the semifinals.
The manager of Tottenham’s NextGen team admitted that although he was disappointed his team had to disqualify itself, the team had already seen a lot of Europe’s talent showcased at the tournament.
“It was obviously disappointing when this was brought to my attention,” said Tim Sherwood, who acts as both Tottenham’s technical director and manager of the NextGen team. “It is, however, all about the development of players and individual talent so the most disappointing aspect for us is that we will not be able to play another game at such a competitive level this season.
“The tournament has given us a great opportunity to see the best of other footballing cultures and many of our squad have proved that they are as good as any in Europe.”
A spokesperson from the NextGen tournament said the tournament officials agreed with Tottenham’s decision to withdraw and “applaud” the team for its decision. “Following conversations with senior Tottenham Hotspur officials we have agreed to accept their withdrawal from the semifinal stages of the event.
“However, we can only applaud the Club for demonstrating such impeccable levels of sportsmanship and for acting in a manner which recognises the good spirit of both the tournament and the game itself. We thank both clubs for their help and support in making this first year of the event such a success and we look forward to welcoming Liverpool to the semi-finals.”
