Neil Critchley believes the Carabao Cup quarter-final is a no-lose situation for Liverpool.
A youthful Reds side will take on Aston Villa in Tuesday’s last eight tie due to the senior squad’s participation in FIFA’s Club World Cup just 24 hours later.
Jurgen Klopp has entrusted under-23 coach Critchley to oversee the European champions’ line-up in both his and assistant manager Pep Lijnders’ absences.
While the prospect of facing a strong home outfit at Villa Park is daunting, the 41-year-old is still hopeful that Liverpool’s young guns can rise to the challenge.
“I don’t think we can lose really,” said Critchley.
“We’ve just got to go and give everything that we have got, be there for each other from the first whistle.
“We always try to dominate the game, but we understand that will be extremely difficult tomorrow night.
“But these players, they want a tough challenge and they need tough challenges and the next step they are trying to make in their career is the toughest, the stats will show you that.
“I hope they go and prove to everyone watching tomorrow night what they’re capable of.”