Exclusive: “We Have To See This Out!” – James McConnell On Liverpool Career So Far & Final Success | OneFootball

By Priya Kaur

In an exclusive interview with Liverpool’s midfielder, James McConnell, there was an unavoidable topic to address- his black eye!

With a grin, he cleared it up “Elbow on the weekend playing for the under-21s!” But with injuries aside, his journey from Sunderland’s youth setup to playing at Wembley in last season’s Carabao Cup final has been remarkable.

McConnell’s footballing path began at Sunderland, playing for their under-15s before being scouted by Liverpool.

“When a club like this comes knocking, you can’t say no. As soon as I got around the academy, I knew this was my place. I even watched the Barcelona game whilst doing my medical, which was mad.”

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After progressing through Liverpool’s under-18s and under-21s, McConnell’s breakthrough into the first team came last season, including a European debut against Toulouse.

“That was a special moment. The boss, Jurgen, put me on and he gifted loads of other lads their debuts as well- certainly one I’ll never forget.”

On reflecting on Klopp’s bombshell announcement that he was leaving, it was highlighted that only days later, the midfielder made his full debut against Norwich in the FA Cup, registering an assist for Curtis Jones.

“Starting is a whole different ball game. I got that pass to Curtis, he put it away, and that settled the nerves, but the atmosphere was great and one thing that always sticks with me is walking out to the anthem of You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

As the Reds anticipate this Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, the youngster reflects on last year’s Wembley journey. Having been on the bench for the quarter-finals and semi-finals, he found himself in the matchday squad for the final.

“With all the injuries, I was pretty sure I’d be on the bench, but I never thought I’d actually come on. The first couple of minutes were a whirlwind, but after that, you relaxed and played your game.”

When skipper Virgil van Dijk powered in the winning header, McConnell was the first player on the scene to celebrate.

He admitted, “I don’t even remember doing that! But in the moment, I thought ‘We’ve only got two minutes here, we have to see this out’.”

And it wouldn’t seem complete without reflecting on one of the most memorable images taken of that moment- all of the academy lads celebrating together.

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When talking about how much it meant to him to be playing with his best friends, he mentioned one man in particular, Bobby Clark.

“He’s on loan at Salzburg now, but we used to play against each other as kids. For both of us to play in the final was amazing.”

As the Reds play the Magpies, in the pursuit of silverware, the 20-year-old acknowledged the divided loyalties in his extended family.

“My family and I will be hoping Liverpool can get it done. A lot of my mates from home will be in the Newcastle end I’ll admit, but it’ll be a great game!”

Addressing Slot’s managerial role, he stated, “Maybe there’s more control under the new manager, but as a midfielder, you still have to cover ground, show for the ball, and play forward. I’m learning from players like Ryan Gravenberch, and I just have to keep watching and improving.”

As this season reaches its climax, McConnell remains focused.

“I just want to give my best. I don’t know how many games I’ll play, but I have to keep training hard, and hopefully, we win some trophies.”

Eyes glinting as he looks ahead to Sunday’s final, McConnell’s excitement is clear, and speaking on behalf of all of The Reds out there, claims “Yeah definitely! Cannot wait!”