Liverpool fans expecting to see Giorgi Mamardashvili for Saturday’s FA Cup win over Brighton were given a shock as Alisson Becker retained his place in goal.
The cup has traditionally been a time for the second-choice goalkeeper to take centre-stage, and given the Georgian’s quality, many had naturally assumed he would play.
However, Arne Slot had other thoughts and picked Alisson as Liverpool brushed Brighton aside with a 3-0 win.
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It was a decision which deserved a little scrutiny, and Slot was given the chance to explain himself during Thursday’s pre-Nottingham Forest press conference.
According to the Liverpool head coach, he will not be wedded to one goalkeeper or another for his FA Cup selections this season.
Arne Slot wanted his best team out vs Brighton
Having seen Alisson return to fitness, Mamardashvili has only played once since the end of November.
As a result, plenty of supporters were looking forward to seeing the No. 2 in action against Brighton. But as Slot said on Thursday, his decision was one taken purely in the best interests of the team.
Alisson Becker, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman pictured in training for Liverpool.
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“For me it wasn’t a surprise,” he answered, when told that some had perceived the call as a slight shock. “Because for me the League Cup is for the second-choice goalkeeper and in the FA Cup I just decide in the moment.
“In the first game [vs Barnsley] he [Mamardashvili] played because Ali came back from an injury, and I thought Giorgi needed a game and it was too much for Ali at that moment in time to play another game. So, I just judge it the same way as I judge the outfield players, what is best for the team and the individual and in this situation I decided to play Ali.
“It was, of course, a disappointment for Giorgi because he’s also a very good goalkeeper, has done really well for us when he had to come in, but I think you could see in my line-up that I mainly played the starters and that means I played the starter in goal. But what that means for the next game I cannot tell you now.”
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FA Cup draw
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Who will play against Wolves?
Given the importance that the FA Cup has taken on in Liverpool’s season, some will agree with Slot picking Alisson over Mamardashvili.
However, the Georgia international is still a top goalie in his own right, and he deserves the chance to get some game time.
With Liverpool playing Premier League opposition once again in the fifth round, it will be fascinating to see what Slot decides. The Reds take on Wolves at Molineux in another tricky-looking tie.
Alisson could obviously play again, but with the game sitting just before the Champions League last-16 first-leg, we think Mamardashvili is more likely to come back into the side.
After months of sitting out, it would not be a surprise if the 25-year-old is a little rusty. But either way, he should really be Liverpool’s FA Cup goalkeeper moving forward, it is only fair. Sadly for him, Slot does not appear to see things the same way.
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