Giorgi Mamardashvili has insisted that his “time will come” at Liverpool, while he waits in the wings as the Reds’ backup goalkeeper.
The position of deputy goalkeeper is a unique one in football.
While outfield substitutes get regular game time and chances to prove themselves worthy of a starting XI berth, the backup ‘keepers are often left on the sidelines for months, even years.
Liverpool paid Valencia £25 million for Mamardashvili and were so keen on the Georgian that they were willing to wait an extra year to get him.
Since arriving last summer, though, he has remained second-choice to Alisson, starting nine matches: the FA Cup third round, Carabao Cup third round and seven games for which the No. 1 was injured.
“It is never easy because there is just one goal,” Mamardashvili told The Reds Roundtable when asked about his predicament.
“If I don’t play, I don’t mind. I have to work hard every day and that’s it. My time will come for sure. Maybe not this year but my time will come.”
The 25-year-old still has plenty of years on the clock as a shotstopper, but as such a highly-rated ‘keeper, he won’t stick around to sit on the bench forever.
Mamardashvili gave an insight into his mentality, explaining: “My ex goalkeeper coach, Jose Manuel Ochotorena when I was in Valencia, told me I have to find balance between ambition and patience, you know.
“So keep working hard and you never know when your chance is coming.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 23, 2025: Liverpool's goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili during the Football League Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Southampton FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Caoimhin Kelleher adopted a similar mentality, but it reached the point where his talents were being wasted on the bench, despite playing a major part in two League Cup triumphs and the Premier League due to Alisson‘s injuries.
He moved on to Brentford for up to £18m last summer, but Mamardashvili is not yet setting his sights elsewhere.
“I signed for Liverpool almost two years ago and I had to wait last season until I came here,” he added.
“It was a really long one year for me and now I’m happy to be here.”
Alisson‘s contract expires in the summer but there is a one-year extension option that is expected to be triggered.
By summer 2027, though, the legendary ‘keeper will be 34 years old. While this isn’t considered the end age for most goalkeepers, Alisson‘s frequent injury problems may mean he has a shorter shelf life than most.
For now, it is a matter of biding his time for Mamardashvili.