Arne Slot has defended Caoimhin Kelleher after the goalkeeper’s costly error in the 3-3 draw with Newcastle.
The Irish stopper, who has been standing in for injured No1 Alisson, midsjudged a cross which eventually led to Fabian Schar’s 90th-minute equaliser at St James’ Park on Wednesday.
Kelleher has otherwise deputised well for the Brazilian and made a crucial save from a one-on-one with Anthony Gordon which stopped the Magpies having a 2-0 lead before half-time.
“He saved us a point really because if we had gone 2-0 down things would have been even harder for us to come back from,” Slot said ahead of his first Merseyside dery against Everton on Saturday.
“If you make a mistake as a goalkeeper it’s difficult for someone else to cover it up for you. He’s always there to help us. We just unfortunately couldn’t be there to help him.
“He’s in a good place, although he’s disappointed like the others for dropping points from a winning situation.
“He can go into this game with a lot of confidence.”
Slot’s Merseyside derby bow
Despite seeing their seven-game winning streak end with the draw on Tyneside, Slot heads into his first Merseyside derby, and the last ever at Goodison Park, with the Reds seven points clear at the top of of the Premier League.
Ahead of the Saturday clash, the Dutchman said: “It is going to be special for everyone. For all the fans, players and the managers involved. To be part of the game is already special but it being the last one at Goodison makes it even more special.
“It’s only a nice experience if the result goes your way. That is what we are working on the most. I never speak about three points before the game and especially not if you face a side like Everton that have been keeping clean sheets.
“We know we have to be ready against a tough team. The fans will be loud. We have to be prepared for everything in this game.
“You need to be aggressive in a smart way. Last season, because I’ve re-watched the game, we were very aggressive when we went out there. I was surprised after 30 minutes because Liverpool had the ball the most but they had committed more fouls.
“Everton are a big threat in set pieces. Unnecessary free kicks are not smart for us. We want to be aggressive but in a concentrated and smart way.”
Liverpool team news
Alisson has been absent for Liverpool’s last 12 games in all competitions with a hamstring injury and Slot says the Brazilian is close to returning to full fitness but will miss Saturday’s derby.
Ibrahima Konate and Connor Bradley remain out, with attacking duo Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa edging closer to a return.
He said: “Alisson is not ready but will be soon.
“Diogo Jota and Fedrico Chiesa are close. The others are a bit further behind.”
