Caoimhin Kelleher has been given the nod in goal for the Reds on Sunday in the League Cup final
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Alisson Becker of Liverpool looks on, during the warm up prior to the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Arne Slot has admitted the decision to play Caoimhin Kelleher in the Carabao Cup final was "not difficult". The Irishman will start for Liverpool at Wembley against Newcastle United instead of Alisson Becker.
Kelleher has shone for Liverpool in two previous League Cup finals - the 2022 and 2024 editions - and despite being the obvious deputy to the Brazilian, has been handed another chance to shine under the Wembley arch.
Speaking to Sky Sports before the game, the Liverpool head coach provided the reasons behind his big decision.
READ MORE: Arne Slot makes big Carabao Cup final call as key Liverpool man droppedREAD MORE: Liverpool vs Newcastle LIVE - Carabao Cup final line-ups, Kelleher decision, watch for free
"That was not difficult," he said of leaving Alisson on the bench. "There was only once when I played Alisson and that was when he was out for injury for quite a long time and I think in that moment he needed playing time, game time to be back to his best.
"But for all the games we have always played the second choice and that also has been Jaros when Caoimhin was the number one. Caoimhin has always been so well for us that he also deserves to play this one."
Kelleher has not featured for the Reds since the loss to Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup, although he has played 20 times in all competitions under Slot.
This could be one of his final appearances for the club though. Giorgi Mamardashvili will join Liverpool in the summer and is expected to be back-up to Alisson, meaning Kelleher may have to move elsewhere if he's to play regular football.