Late Call by Coach Leads to Bajcetic’s Return against Man United
Liverpool U21s delivered a dominant performance as they defeated Man United 3-0 at Old Trafford, with Stefan Bajcetic making his first appearance in almost seven months. The inclusion of Bajcetic came as a “late call” by U21s coach Barry Lewtas, and it proved to be a game-changing decision.
After disappointing results for the first team and U18s against Man United in recent weeks, the U21s were determined to turn the tide. They showcased their strength and skill on Friday night, leaving no doubt about their superiority.
The goals were scored by Trent Kone-Doherty, Kaide Gordon, and the exceptional Jayden Danns. However, the highlight of the match was undoubtedly Bajcetic’s return to the pitch after a lengthy absence. He came off the bench in the final 30 minutes, replacing Kone-Doherty, and played a crucial role in Gordon’s goal, earning himself an assist.
Bajcetic had previously been on the bench for the first team’s 3-0 loss to Atalanta. His return to action was eagerly anticipated, and he did not disappoint. Speaking to journalists after the game, Coach Lewtas expressed his delight at having Bajcetic back on the field.
The coach revealed that it was a last-minute decision to include Bajcetic in the squad, but it proved to be a stroke of genius. Lewtas praised Bajcetic’s determination and enthusiasm, stating that he was “desperate to play” and gave his all during his time on the pitch. The coach was impressed by Bajcetic’s performance, considering that he had been out of action for such a long time.
Bajcetic had only made two appearances prior to his fitness setback in September. He started against LASK in the Europa League and came off the bench against Leicester in the Carabao Cup. However, issues related to his growth led to a prolonged period on the sidelines. He underwent a dedicated training program at the AXA Training Centre to regain his fitness and gradually increased his workload with the U21s.
While Bajcetic remains a first-team player, his eligibility for the U21s provides him with an opportunity to continue working on his long-term fitness. This will be crucial for his development over the next month-and-a-half.
Unfortunately, the game also brought disappointment for Isaac Mabaya, who was forced off the pitch shortly after coming on as a substitute. Lewtas acknowledged Mabaya’s difficult journey, as he has also faced significant periods of absence from the game. Despite this setback, the coach expressed confidence in Mabaya’s resilience and praised his character.
The support shown by his teammates when Mabaya went down demonstrated the camaraderie within the team. It is clear that Mabaya is a popular figure among his peers, and everyone is hopeful for his swift recovery.
In conclusion, Liverpool U21s’ victory against Man United was not only a statement of their prowess on the field but also marked an important milestone for Stefan Bajcetic. His return after a lengthy absence showcased his determination and resilience. With his eligibility for the U21s, Bajcetic can continue to focus on his long-term fitness while contributing to the team’s success. Although Isaac Mabaya suffered another setback, he has the support of his teammates and the determination to overcome this challenge.