Hurzeler: Liverpool were more ruthless

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Albion's head coach reflects on only our second defeat of the season in the Carabao Cup.

2024-10-30T22:00+00:00

Fabian Hurzeler's team suffered only their second defeat of the season on Wednesday. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

Fabian Hurzeler felt Liverpool’s ruthlessness in front of goal was the difference as Albion lost for only the second time this season.

Despite goals from Simon Adingra and Tariq Lamptey, we were beaten 3-2 by the Carabao Cup holders at the Amex in the fourth round.

Hurzeler said, “The players have a great character and great personality, and they proved it today for sure. It's disappointing to be knocked out of the cup, but we were not ruthless enough, and I think that was a difference.

“Liverpool scored at the right moments. They scored out of nowhere with an unbelievable shot for their first goal and we were not able to reply in the right moments.”

Hurzeler gave Brajan Gruda his first start and Mats Wieffer played 90 minutes for the first time since the opening game of the season and Hurzeler was pleased with their contributions.

Brajan Gruda made his first start for Albion since his summer move. 📷 by James Boardman.

“With Brajan have to be patient," added Hurzeler. "We see it in training that he's able to do great things, but of course still a very young player and he's coming from a different league and different culture. Now we try to improve and help him, but I'm very pleased that he played almost 90 minutes.

“I think [Mats] showed a great reaction to his mistake on on Saturday. I think that it’s not easy to come back like this, to show this character, to show this personality. It was great to see his reaction. He was asking for the ball and not hiding. He keeps on going and I'm sure he will help us this season.”

Hurzeler said Ferdi Kadioglu came off with a kick to his foot which will be assessed ahead of Saturday’s rematch with Liverpool in the Premier League at Anfield.