Skip to main content
The Morning Star Shop
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.

Liverpool continue to fight on all fronts, also remaining in the race for the Europa League and Premier League title, but Fulham will provide a stern test over two legs.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani takes selfies with supporters after speaking at his primary election party, June 25, 2025, in New York
Men’s football / 27 June 2025
27 June 2025

JAMES NALTON writes how at the heart of the big apple, the beautiful game exists as something more community-oriented, which could benefit hugely under mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani

President Donald Trump meets with members of the Juventus soccer club in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Washington.
Men’s football / 20 June 2025
20 June 2025

JAMES NALTON discusses how Fifa claims to be apolitical, but as Infantino and Juventus players stood behind Trump discussing war, gender, and global politics, the line between sport and statecraft vanished

Law enforcement personnel walk outside Hard Rock Stadium during preparations for Saturday's opening match in the Club World Cup soccer tournament, June 11, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla.
Men's Football / 13 June 2025
13 June 2025

The competition sounds good on paper, and has potential to be great, but Fifa has gone out of its way to mess it up, JAMES NALTON explains

Liverpool fans set off flares outside the stadium ahead of the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool, April 27, 2025
Men’s football / 30 May 2025
30 May 2025

As Liverpool lifted the title and Everton said goodbye to Goodison, Merseyside’s unity shone through in the face of tragedy, 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 Diogo Jota celebrates scoring their side's secon
Men’s football / 15 December 2024
15 December 2024
Liverpool's Arne Slot during the pre-season friendly match a
Men’s Football / 23 August 2024
23 August 2024
JAMES NALTON writes how Liverpool’s post-Klopp era hits home as new Dutch manager prepares to take charge of his first competitive home game