Skip to main content
Advertise with the Morning Star
Klopp praises Fulham ahead of League Cup semi-final
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp (third right) leads his players and staff out ahead of a training session at the Training Centre, Liverpool

by James Nalton

LIVERPOOL will face Fulham in the semifinals of the EFL Cup after trouncing West Ham 5-1 at Anfield on Wednesday.

The first game of the two-legged affair will be played at Anfield on January the 8th, with a return leg in West London on the 22nd.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was full of respect for his upcoming opponents, having learned of the draw while sitting in his post-match press conference.

The two sides have already played out an entertaining 4-3 scoreline in Liverpool’s favour at Anfield in the Premier League earlier this month, and Fulham have since gone on a good run.

“It looks like it will be two spectacular games, the last one was pretty spectacular!” Enthused Klopp.

“Funnily enough, I spoke about it before the game with [West Ham manager] David [Moyes] as well.


“Fulham is extremely well set up, which we felt here, which then West Ham felt a few days later and they were really unlucky against Newcastle.

“They are really strong, a really good team, and they want to go to Wembley as well.”

Liverpool’s win against West Ham was one of their best performances of the season, leading Moyes to describe Klopp’s side as a “really powerful team”. 

There was an impressive display from Curtis Jones who netted twice, while Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo, and Mohamed Salah also added their names to the scoresheet.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
A general view of Anfield via a drone before the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool, August 15, 2025
Men’s football / 19 September 2025
19 September 2025

A century-old rivalry enters a new chapter as the Toffees’ move from Goodison Park reshapes the landscape of the Merseyside derby, writes JAMES NALTON

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., left, and New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani greet the crowd during a town hall, September, 6, 2025, in New York
Men’s Football / 12 September 2025
12 September 2025

Governing bodies’ refusal to offer discounted tickets to local fans for 2026 is drawing criticism from politicians and grassroots movements alike, writes JAMES NALTON

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his side's third goal against Venezuela during a World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025
Men’s football / 5 September 2025
5 September 2025

The captain’s emotional performance in Argentina’s win over Venezuela had all the markings of a farewell. But if history is any guide, the legend may not be done just yet, writes JAMES NALTON

Grimsby Town's goalkeeper Christy Pym (right) is congratulated by his teammates after they win the penalty shoot out during the Carabao Cup second round match at Hill Blundell Park, Grimsby, August 27, 2025
Men’s football / 29 August 2025
29 August 2025

As football grapples with overloaded calendars and commercial pressure, the Mariners’ triumph reminds us why the game’s soul lives far from the spotlight, writes JAMES NALTON

Similar stories
Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister scores their side's second g
Men’s football / 27 February 2025
27 February 2025
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk (right) celebrates scoring their
Men's football / 7 February 2025
7 February 2025
Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates scoring their side
Men’s Football / 26 January 2025
26 January 2025
Liverpool's Diogo Jota celebrates scoring their side's secon
Men’s football / 15 December 2024
15 December 2024