Hamann: Reds youngsters have long way to go
Former Liverpool and Manchester City midfielder Dietmar Hamann believes that the Merseyside club's focus on developing youth could take some time to achieve success.
By FOX Sports Staff
Hamann was asked to give his opinion on the respective projects initiated by the two clubs' wealthy owners ahead of Sunday's tie at the Etihad.
It is widely believed that Liverpool 's American owners are planning for the long-term and therefore have sanctioned the purchase of several talented youngsters. The hope among many affiliated with the northwestern club is that a core of young players could grow up together and challenge for the Premier League title in the near future.
In contrast, City have been allowed to splash the cash by their rich Middle Eastern benefactors and have brought in several marquee players. The Sky Blues seemed to have achieved success last year as they won the league on goal difference although they are currently ten points off the pace in the title race.
The 39-year-old, though, does not wish to rule City out of the running altogether and believes in the quality of the squad. However, he has significant doubts as to the likelihood of Liverpool succeeding in their youth-focused club policy as he feels the youngsters should be allowed to develop at their own pace instead of being thrust into the first team.
"It's a long road if you want to do it with youngsters. Liverpool need to get back into the Champions' League, and with youngsters not all of them I'd think will fulfil their potential," Hamann cautioned when speaking to the Independent.
"And if one does and you don't make the Champions' League then there's every chance somebody will pinch him.
"You need a balance in a team, young and old, offensive and defensive.
"Look at Aston Villa. I don't know how good their kids are but in a team of kids you don't give them a chance to develop.
"You need older players to guide them, somebody next to them when things go wrong."
Moreover, he has been impressed with the current City outfit who have yet to concede a goal in the new year and do not appear to have been affected by the loss of talismanic midfielder Yaya Toure to international duty.
"City have got enough [quality]. They did have last season, they lost Nigel de Jong, who was a big player for them, but they brought four or five in and I think they look a lot more solid with [Gareth] Barry back in the team.
"I feel if they're seven points or less behind when Yaya Touré comes back from the Africa Cup of Nations then they've still got a chance."