Arne Slot is set to get his first taste of the Merseyside derby as Liverpool and Everton prepare to lock horns at Goodison Park tomorrow.
Both sides are in good form ahead of the game and the game is expected to be a competitive affair despite the two sides being separated by 21 points in the league.
Everton, in particular, will take great encouragement from their 4-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers last week, while Liverpool will look to return to winning ways after being held to a 3-3 draw against Newcastle United.
And Arne Slot feels one Liverpool player is really hurting after his performance at St James’ Park.
Arne Slot says Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is ‘disappointed’
Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher participates in the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St. James's Park in Newca...
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Caoimhin Kelleher has been one of Liverpool’s standout performers in recent weeks and has more than held his own between the sticks in Alisson Becker’s injury absence.
However, the young goalkeeper didn’t cover himself in too much glory against Newcastle as he failed to deal with a cross that eventually led to Fabian Schar’s equaliser.
Speaking about his goalkeeping situation, Slot confirmed that Kelleher will play this weekend as Alisson is still not ready.
The Liverpool manager also defended the 24-year-old, adding that the young goalkeeper bailed his side out several times over the past few months.
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“It was at 1-0 when Gomez made a mistake and he saved us in that moment, so maybe he saved us a point because 2-0 down it’s even harder,” said Slot at a press conference.
“Unfortunately for Caoimh in that position, if you make a mistake, it’s harder for others to cover up for you.
“We, as a team, could not help him but he is in a good place. He is disappointed as we dropped points from a winning situation like all the other but he will have confidence. Alisson is not ready yet but soon.”
Kelleher should be proud despite his mistake
Immediately after the game at St James’ Park, Slot said Kelleher was disappointed with his mistake as his error led to Liverpool leaving Tyneside with just a point.
However, the Irishman proved that he’s more than an able deputy for Alisson as he played starring roles in the Reds’ wins against Real Madrid and Manchester City, among others.
Kelleher is likely to lose his place in the coming weeks when Alisson is fit enough to start, but he can keep his head held high as he more than enhanced his reputation as one of the brightest goalkeeping talents in world football.