ReactionCaoimhin Kelleher: I just tried to focus to help out the lads
Caoimhin Kelleher reiterated the importance of the Carabao Cup to Liverpool following Wednesday night's penalty shootout victory over Derby County.
The goalkeeper once again proved to be the hero between the posts at Anfield as he saved three penalties to help the Reds progress into the fourth round over the Rams.
Derby had earned a hard-fought draw on Merseyside but came unstuck from 12 yards against Jürgen Klopp’s current holders.
With the victory, Kelleher set a club record for four shootout wins as a Liverpool goalkeeper - a landmark reached in just 18 appearances.
Read on for full reaction from the Republic of Ireland international, as he spoke to Liverpoolfc.com post-match…
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On what was going through his mind during the penalty shootout…
In the last five minutes the game kind of looked like it was going to penalties. We didn’t really create many chances so I thought there might be a chance. Then yeah, once it went there, I just tried to focus on helping the lads, trying to save a few.
On the difficulty of facing the ‘unknown’ of penalties…
Of course. We had footage with John [Achterberg], Jack [Robinson] and Taffa [Claudio Taffarel] - they go through the footage of penalties with me but, like you say, on the day they can change their mind and do anything. Thankfully, tonight it worked out.
On the importance of the Carabao Cup to him and Liverpool…
Like I’ve always said, I think this cup has given me a lot of opportunities so every time I play, I always want to get through to the next round to give me another opportunity to play. Especially for the young lads as well, I think you saw tonight a lot of young players getting their chance - so the more times we can win in this competition the further we can get and the more game time for the younger players as well. That’s always a plus.
On his approach as a No.2 behind Alisson Becker…
I approach every day like I’m going to play. I have to be ready to play - anything can happen anytime. I’ve trained with the goalie group every day, it’s a really good group to work with so I enjoy going in every day and trying to work hard. At the same time as well it’s difficult not getting the games but, like I say, the more we do well in cup competitions like this the more game time I can hopefully get.
On the feeling of being back on a positive footing as a full squad…
Yeah, absolutely. I think it’s important we can put a few wins together now to get our confidence up. I think consistency is the most important thing for us. We’ve had a few wins in a row, so hopefully we can use these wins to build on and get another win on Saturday [against Southampton] before the break.