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Jamie Carragher questions Jurgen Klopp’s decision he will ‘never understand’ ahead of Carabao cup final
Jamie Carragher questions Jurgen Klopp’s decision he will ‘never understand’ ahead of Carabao cup final
Liverpool will be clashing with Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday in the league cup finals.
Jamie Carragher has questioned why Jurgen Klopp is selecting Caoimhin Kelleher ahead of Alisson Becker for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, insisting that Liverpool should be going full-strength against Chelsea in every position.
Alisson has only featured once in this competition since arriving from Roma in 2018.
Kelleher will retain his position for the next fixture at the Emirates and will start this weekend’s carabao cup final at Wembley, Klopp has confirmed.
This is a decision Jamie Carragher cannot seem to understand as he questions why different rules apply for goalkeepers regarding squad selection.
“I will never understand the theory behind selecting a second-choice goalkeeper in a major final,” he wrote in his Telegraph column
“Liverpool will play Caoimhin Kelleher ahead of Alisson Becker. Chelsea will do likewise if – as expected – Kepa Arrizabalaga starts ahead of Edouard Mendy.
“It is nothing against those players. The Spanish keeper is a world-record signing for a No. 1 and Kelleher has done well when called upon, playing a big part in Liverpool getting to Wembley.
“It is more the principle of leaving a world-class keeper on the bench I struggle with, especially in a final where small details make all the difference. This cup final logic only seems to apply to keepers.
“In the early rounds of the cups, plenty of youngsters and back-up players get their chance, but they realise they will be stepping aside if Wembley beckons.”
“That’s why Liverpool’s Kaide Gordon played in the semi-final, but may not even make the bench this weekend. Why is it any different for back-up keepers? As a fan travelling to Wembley, I would always be more comfortable knowing the best XI is starting.”
Carragher added: “There is very little between the teams. Liverpool just edge it in overall quality – as the current league table suggests – but in a one-off final it will be no surprise if the game goes to extra-time or penalties.
“Another key weapon Liverpool possess is their set-piece threat. They have been the best in the country this season and scored from another corner in midweek. In a tight game, it would be no surprise if that proves to be the difference.”
In other news, Gabriel Agbolanhor gives his Liverpool Fc vs Chelsea Carabao Cup final Prediction