Jamie Carragher doesn’t agree with Jurgen Klopp’s decision to start Caoimhin Kelleher in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final clash with Chelsea.
Writing for The Telegraph, Carragher said he can’t understand why a manager would pick their back-up keeper in such a big game.
“I will never understand the theory behind selecting a second-choice goalkeeper in a major final,” wrote Carragher.
“Liverpool will play Caoimhin Kelleher ahead of Alisson Becker. Chelsea will do likewise if – as expected – Kepa Arrizabalaga starts ahead of Edouard Mendy.”
It is certainly a point worth considering.
Kelleher was Liverpool’s ‘keeper in all but one of their games en-route to the final.
The Irishman was generally superb in those games and even saved two penalties in the quarter-final shootout against Leicester City. Klopp has already said that Kelleher will play (TalkSPORT).
But Carragher feels that Liverpool have a world-class goalie in Alisson Becker. According to the pundit, when playing in finals, those are the players that really make the difference.
“It is nothing against those players. The Spanish keeper is a world-record signing for a No 1 and Kelleher has done well when called upon, playing a big part in Liverpool getting to Wembley,” he said.
“It is more the principle of leaving a world-class keeper on the bench I struggle with, especially in a final where small details make all the difference. This cup final logic only seems to apply to keepers.”
Kelleher rises to the ocassion
You can see where Carra is coming from. Alisson is Liverpool’s best goalkeeper and therefore it stands to reason that The Reds have a better chance of winning with him in the team.
If Kelleher had played poorly during the games he’s been given, then Alisson would probably start.
But the 23-year-old hasn’t just been a passable presence when called upon, he has excelled. He deserves the chance to win a trophy with Liverpool.
Chelsea have managed two draws against Klopp’s team this season. There’s every chance that the game will be decided on penalites.
Although Alisson has a decent record against spot-kick’s, Kelleher has saved three already this season.
Klopp has great faith in his reserve ‘keeper. Kelleher is as cool as they come and having already faced Thomas Tuchel’s team this season, he shouldn’t be overawed by the occasion.
Good omens
Alisson has been a transformative signing for Liverpool. But the last time Klopp’s team faced Chelsea in a final, they also had a back-up ‘keeper in net.
That was the Super Cup final in 2019. Despite only signing a few days prior to the game, Adrian proved to be the match-winner for Liverpool that night.
The Spaniard made some big saves during the game before denying Tammy Abraham from the spot to hand Liverpool the trophy.
Let’s hope that’s a good omen going into Sunday’s showpiece at Wembley
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