'Should be space for sentiment' - Jurgen Klopp pleased with decision to stick with Caoimhin Kelleher

Updated 27/02/2022 at 22:24 GMT

Liverpool are Carabao Cup champions following a thrilling penalty shootout win over Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday. Caoimhin Kelleher did not make a save in the shootout – starring instead with his feet – but is a League Cup winner after Reds boss Jurgen Klopp kept faith rather than turning to No. 1 Alisson Becker for the big occasion.

Caoimhin Kelleher of Liverpool is congratulated by Andrew Robertson of Liverpool after Liverpool win the Carabao Cup Final match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on February 27, 2022 in London, England

Image credit: Getty Images

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has said there must be room for sentiment in football, after his decision to keep faith with Caoimhin Kelleher for the Carabao Cup final was rewarded with victory over Chelsea.

The Reds secured the trophy in a spectacular penalty shootout. Kelleher did not make a save in the 11-10 win, as victory was secured when his opposite number Kepa Arrizabalaga - who was thrown by Chelsea for penalties - sent his effort high over the bar, moments after the Irish stopper had lashed home his effort.

Klopp could have selected Alisson Becker, but elected to remain loyal to the man who helped get the team to the final.

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“Even in professional football there should be space for some sentiment,” Klopp told Sky Sports. “Caoimhin Kelleher is a young boy, plays in all the competition, what do I do?

“I am two things, a professional manager and a human being and the human being won. He deserves it.

"At the training centre we have a wall that all goalkeepers are on who won something and Caoimhin can go on it - that's how it should be - absolutely great.”

Liverpool remain in the running for four trophies, but Klopp is not getting carried away.

"That is the start, we are not silly,” the German said. “We need to have luck - we had luck, that could have been 5-5."

Klopp is spoilt for choice in the goalkeeping ranks, and had high praise for his two shot-stoppers.

"Alisson Becker is the best goalie in the world for me," said Klopp. "There are other good goalkeepers out there but this goalie is absolutely insane.

"But to be honest for me Caoimhín Kelleher is the best number-two goalie in the world as well.

"The game he played tonight was absolutely incredible."

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