Arne Slot was warned he may be making the wrong call on Caoimhin Kelleher before the Liverpool goalkeeper’s costly mistake against Newcastle.
The Irishman has largely impressed while deputizing for the injured Alisson Becker this season, having helped the Reds to the top of the standings in both the Premier League and Champions League, with Liverpool yet to taste defeat with him in the team this season. Kelleher though made a costly mistake as the Reds drew 3-3 with Newcastle on Wednesday.
Liverpool looked to be heading for another win after Mohamed Salah’s double put them ahead at St James’ Park, only for the hosts to snatch a point late on.
Kelleher misjudged the flight of the ball from a free-kick as he decided to leave it, only for Fabian Schar to sneak in behind and slide the ball into an empty net.
Slot had been questioned before the game by Amazon Prime Video pundit Shay Given about whether Kelleher had given him a headache with his recent form, with Alisson set to return from injury soon.
The Liverpool boss though maintained his stance that the Brazilian will regain his place once he’s ready.No I think I’ve been clear about the decision already a few times,” Slot said.
But it is just as difficult as all the situations. I don’t think Luis Diaz or Dominik Szoboszlai deserve to be on the bench today if you look at their performances from Sunday.“But it’s a long season.
A goalkeeper is a different situation. We are just as happy with Caoimhin as you are. He’s done outstanding and that’s what we should talk about now instead of what’s going to happen in a week or in two weeks.
That stance was questioned by former Chelsea and Everton winger Pat Nevin, who told BBC Radio 5 Live that Slot should choose Kelleher over Alisson.“Caoimhin Kelleher has been extraordinary,” Nevin said. “If you take him out when Alisson is back what is that going to do to Kelleher?
They should stick by Kelleher until he makes a mistake.”Liverpool.com says: It was an ultra-rare mistake from Kelleher for Newcastle’s equalizer, but that does demonstrate why Slot will turn back to Alisson once the Brazilian is ready to return.
Kelleher is good, but Alisson is the best in the world, and in situations like that, it could be the difference between winning three points and claiming just one.
