Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed his confidence in goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher following a costly error in their 3-3 draw against Newcastle United on Wednesday. Despite Kelleher’s mistake, which allowed Fabian Schär to score a late equalizer, Slot believes the Republic of Ireland international will bounce back. Kelleher, who has been filling in for the injured Alisson Becker since early October, has been a key figure in Liverpool’s impressive season, helping them maintain a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League while also leading them through a perfect Champions League campaign.
In the game against Newcastle, Kelleher had initially performed well, making a crucial save from Anthony Gordon in the first half to keep Liverpool in the match. However, his failure to claim a late free-kick from Newcastle allowed Schär to sneak in and score in the dying moments. Slot acknowledged Kelleher’s role in preventing further damage, stating that he had helped the team after a mistake from Joe Gomez early in the match, preventing a potential 2-0 deficit. Despite his disappointment, Slot reassured Kelleher that the team was behind him, recognizing that mistakes are part of the goalkeeper’s job. “Unfortunately for Caoimhín, in that position, if you make a mistake as a goalkeeper, it is very difficult for someone else to cover it up for you,” Slot explained, adding that Kelleher has often been the one to save the team in similar situations.
Slot also confirmed that first-choice goalkeeper Alisson will return from his hamstring injury “very soon,” though he will not be ready for Liverpool’s next match, a Merseyside derby against Everton on Saturday. Additionally, Slot revealed that long-term absentees Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa will miss the derby but are nearing a return, while defenders Ibrahima Konaté, Kostas Tsimikas, and Conor Bradley remain sidelined.
The derby is especially significant as it will be the last league meeting between the two sides at Goodison Park before Everton moves to their new stadium next season. Slot highlighted the special nature of the occasion, noting that “it’s going to be special for everyone” involved, but emphasized that the primary focus for Liverpool is securing the three points.
