Giorgi Mamardashvili was something of a surprise omission from Liverpool's team against Brighton in the FA Cup, with Alisson Becker given a rare start in a cup competition
James Findlater Content Editor
10:18, 19 Feb 2026
Alisson Becker, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on February 13, 2026 in Kirkby, England
Giorgi Mamardashvili was left on the bench as Alisson Becker started in the FA Cup for Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Arne Slot has revealed Giorgi Mamardashvili was disappointed not to start for Liverpool in the FA Cup at the weekend - although the Reds’ boss has refused to give his backup goalkeeper any assurances over playing time.
Mamardashvili was widely expected by supporters to be given an opportunity to start against Brighton in the fourth round of the cup, only for Alisson Becker to retain his spot as Slot chose a strong side against the Seagulls.
The cup competitions have usually given Alisson a chance to rest over recent years, with Caoimhin Kelleher having started all but two of the games in Carabao Cup and FA Cup last year.
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Indeed, Mamardashvili had already played in the third round against Barnsley in January, with the Georgia international having made 11 appearances in total so far this season.
The 25-year-old though was left on the bench against Brighton, and Slot isn’t making any guarantees over his goalkeepers for the remainder of the season.
“For me, it wasn't a surprise,” Slot said in his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Nottingham Forest. “Last season, we made a different choice in the FA Cup, that’s true.
Giorgi Mamardashvili warms up ahead of a Liverpool game
Giorgi Mamardashvili has made 11 appearances so far this season for Liverpool(Image: 2025 Liverpool FC)
“Usually, for me, the league cup is for the ‘second choice’ goalkeeper, and in the FA Cup I just decide at the moment. The first game he played because Ali came back from an injury and I think Giorgi needed the game, and maybe it was a bit too much for Ali at that moment of time to play another game.
“I judge it the same way as I judge the other 10 players, on what is best for the team and the individual. In this situation, I decided to play Ali again.
“It was of course a disappointment for Giorgi because he is a very good goalkeeper and has done really well for us when had to come in for Ali when he was injured.
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“But I think you could see from my line-up that I mainly played the starters and that also means I also played the starter in goal. How that will look in the next game, I cannot tell you now.”
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Despite not being given the chance last weekend, Mamardashvili’s next opportunity is likely to come in the FA Cup again next month.
Liverpool has been drawn away to Wolves, with the trip to Molineux set to come just a few days after the Reds make the same journey in the Premier League. The Champions League last-16 is due to get underway a few days later as well, increasing Alisson’s chances of being rested in the cup.