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.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Newcastle United's Alexander Isak,  March 2, 2025
Men’s Football / 25 July 2025
25 July 2025

The Red’s title defence is built on clever recruitment, long-term planning, and data-led strategy. In contrast, the Magpies are falling behind — and blaming the wrong things, writes JAMES NALTON

Auckland City's Gerard Garriga cools off under the sprinklers during a water break in the Club World Cup Group C soccer match between Auckland City and Boca Juniors in Nashville, Tenn., June 24, 2025
Men’s football / 18 July 2025
18 July 2025

With climate change, commercial overload and endless fixtures, footballers are being pushed to breaking point. It’s time their unions became a more powerful, unified force, writes JAMES NALTON

Chelsea's Reece James lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates and President Donald Trump (fifth from right) after Chelsea won against Paris St Germain in the Club World Cup final, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., July 13, 2025
Men's Football / 14 July 2025
14 July 2025
Chelsea's Joao Pedro is congratulated by Enzo Fernandez after scoring his side's second goal during the Club World Cup semi final against Fluminense in East Rutherford, New Jersey, July 8, 2025
Men’s Football / 11 July 2025
11 July 2025

Joao Pedro’s emotional goals against Fluminense captured the magic of an international club competition. But even as fans bring colour and passion, the Club World Cup’s deeper issues loom large, 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