Aston Villa's kids caused us problems, admits Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp after FA Cup win

Jurgen Klopp has admitted that his Liverpool side were caused "football problems" by Aston Villa's cobbled-together team of youngsters.

VIlla had been hit by a total of 14 Covid-19 positive tests prior to the match and, with all of their first team squad and staff isolating, were forced to field a reserve side against the Premier League champions.

Liverpool eventually emerged 4-1 victors but Klopp has admitted that the encounter was far from easy.

"The kids did really well - that's good. We had football problems. We needed a little bit longer but then it was completely clear," he told BT Sport.

"Problems in passing and moving. Too many on the wrong side of the ball - not enough recoveries of passes. We had chances and shot the ball directly at the goalie - we changed it in the second half.

"It was rusty but better in the second half. Against Southampton [1-0 defeat] from the first second they were more on the pitch but that was not the case today."

Meanwhile. Villa's goalscorer, 17-year-old Louie Barry, has spoken of the feeling of elation he had when finding the back of the net to pull his side level just before the break.

"I knew I had it when I saw it... the ball in the back of the net is proudest I've been. Family screaming at the TV. I was just happy to score - hope I score many more.

"I was working very hard. When I celebrated everything came out of me. Relief. It was quite good.

"I've never been so proud of a team - from start to finish we gave it our all. Credit to ourselves and the club.

"I was cramping up a bit towards the end. You have to get used to it. With age comes physicality and good mentality."