Monday, April 18, 2011

'Title Triumph Is Not Our Priority'

Pep Segura admits it would be fantastic to top Barclays Premier Reserve League Northern Group B - but insists it is not the priority as the second-string prepare for tonight's clash at Manchester City.

The Spaniard secured his first win as the Reds' temporary reserve team boss in their last outing against Bolton, leaving them within sight of leaders Blackburn Rovers with two games remaining.

Segura acknowledges that a victory at Hyde FC's ground would put his side in a strong position but was keen to reiterate that he remains focused on the overall objective of player development.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It's difficult to change a philosophy and style in just a few weeks.

"The most important thing is how the players develop, not just in games but every day in training.

"It was nice to win our first game against Bolton but that is not our priority."

He continued: "It is possible for us to win our last two matches and win the league - but we could lose those matches. They are difficult games and we know we will have to perform well to get points from them.

"We have a bit of handicap because some of our players, like John Flanagan and Jack Robinson have stayed with the first-team.

"If we have all of our best players available and go on to win the league then that is fantastic. But with so many objectives with the U18s and the first-team, we will not know who is available until the last moment."

Adam Morgan continued his phenomenal goalscoring run with the winner against Bolton on his league bow for the reserves and he was also on target for the U18s in their 6-0 rout of Manchester United on Saturday.

The 16-year-old has made great strides over the course of the past six months and Segura is confident he will continue to be a prolific marksman in the years ahead.

"We need to understand that Adam Morgan is a natural goalscorer who has quality," he said.

"We are very happy with how he is improving. He is scoring for the U18s and did it for us in the last game against Bolton.

"He has done very well, especially when the U18s lost Michael Ngoo through injury earlier in the season. He is a fantastic player and someone who can have a bright future."

Segura was an interested spectator the last time Liverpool Reserves faced Manchester City.

The Reds secured a 1-0 victory in the Lancashire Senior Cup contest at Hyde back in January and the Spaniard accepts it will be a tough test for his fledgling outfit.

"I have seen this team before," he said.

"They are a strong side. We know how we want to approach the game and hopefully we can put our ideas into practice in the game.

"We have many games left for the U18s and the reserves. We will have to rotate the players. The likes of Krisztian Adorjan and Morgan were tired after playing for both teams last week.

"It will be difficult but we must cope."

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