Jurgen Klopp has given a positive update on the development of 19-year-old Liverpool goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga.
Klopp made the comments during his pre-match press conference via Beanyman Sports on YouTube (4min 10secs). The Reds boss was previewing Liverpool’s FA Cup tie against Norwich City tonight.
The manager was asked what the long-term plan was for Caoimhin Kelleher after his cup-winning performance last weekend.
After suggesting the 23-year-old might look for a loan in the future, Klopp mentioned the wider goalkeeping situation at the club.
“Marcelo [Pitaluga] is already on a good way and we really have to touch on that situation.,” said Klopp.
“Adrian is still here doing an incredible job so we’ll see. But you need the quality we have here and if we get weaker if he wants to go somewhere then we don’t have the chance to do that.”
It’s important that Liverpool have a plan in the goalkeeping department. Kelleher is clearly too talented to stay as a number two for too long.
The chances of overthrowing Alisson Becker as Klopp’s first-choice are slim. It could be that the Irishman wants to leave in order to get the game time he looks to be ready for.
Liverpool need to be prepared for that.
Pitaluga ready for his chance
It will be interesting to see who gets the nod in goal for Liverpool this evening.
During the same press conference Klopp confirmed that Kelleher would not play the game against Norwich.
It could be that Alisson returns to the line-up to get some rhythm back ahead of a big week for The Reds.
But given Klopp’s comments, it could mean that one of his lesser seen goalie’s will run out in front of The Kop.
Pitaluga is obvoiusly very highly rated at the club. But recent history suggest that Adrian is the third choice ‘keeper.
It was the 35-year-old who stepped in for the Carabao Cup tie against Preston North End earlier in the season, with Alisson and Kelleher both unavailable.
However, more than four months have passed since then. Pitaluga is a young goalkeeper who will be developing quickly whilst training alongside the likes of Alisson and his compatriot on the coaching staff, Claudio Taffarel.
It could be that he has now overtaken the veteran Spaniard in the pecking order.
In at the deep end
Norwich gave Liverpool a tough game at Anfield last month. They’ll be keen to avenge that loss and may sniff an opportunity with a potentially depleted Liverpool team.
That may not be the best scenario to throw a young ‘keeper in for his debut. But Kelleher has had to make do with similar situations in the past and look at him now.
If Pitaluga does get the opportunity to show Reds fans’ what he can do, he’ll do so knowing that he has the full faith of his manager.
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