The Academy outfit booked their place in the U18 Premier League Cup final with a 5-2 win over Reading last weekend, a timely confidence boost ahead of Saturday’s top of the table clash against Liverpool.
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Taylor’s side, who are also in the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup, travel to Merseyside six point clear of the Reds at the top of the U18 Premier League table, but having played two games more.
Six fixtures remain after this weekend’s clash at the Liverpool Academy, but it is hard to discount Saturday morning’s meeting as anything other than a must win contest.
Taylor wants his youngsters to embrace that pressure and hopes our cup form can inspire us when it matters most in the league.
“We mentioned last year that success in one competition helps take care of the others, and now we are looking at that again this season,” he explained. “There are things to look forward to.
“We have a final to look forward to and want to finish the job there, we are into the FA Youth Cup quarter final and now have a huge game at Liverpool which is almost like a title decider if you like.
“Everything feeds into each competition and it becomes like a snowball effect and the next challenge is a very big league game at Liverpool this Saturday. It’s exciting for everybody.”
City U18s have lost just two of the 23 games they’ve played in all competitions so far this season and boast the most potent attack and meanest defence in the country in the league.
Fifteen-goal James McAtee recently attributed our fine form to the special bond amongst the squad and it’s something Taylor agrees with.
“I can’t praise the lads enough,” he added.
“The players link up well not just on the pitch but socially too. They are a good humble group of young lads and they bring their parts together for the team.
“I have been really impressed this season and they are a great group to work with.”
