Emotional Klopp reaps rewards after Liverpool win the League Cup led by Kelleher
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hailed young goalkeeper Kevin Kelleher for the crucial but unexpected leadership role in the Irish player's ninth title in the League Cup at Wembley on Sunday.
Klopp used his 23-year-old reserve goalkeeper in Liverpool's domestic cup matches this season, and the German coach included him in the final against Chelsea.
Kelleher intervened several times decisively to save his goal, and the exciting final match ended in a 0-0 draw after extra time, and after the two teams' players scored 20 penalty kicks, Kelleher showed nerves of steel to score from the penalty mark and put Liverpool in the lead 11-10.
Had he saved his Chelsea counterpart Kepa Arrizabalaga's kick in the next minute, it would have been the most amazing scenario ever.
Spaniard Arrizabalaga hit the crossbar towards the stands of Liverpool fans, who then celebrated the club's first domestic cup in ten years.
"Even in professional football there has to be room for some emotions," said Klopp, who has resisted the temptation to turn to first-choice goalkeeper Alisson for such a high-profile match.
I am a professional coach and a human being, and the person has won.”
Kelleher has now succeeded in penalties with Liverpool on three occasions, including victory over Leicester City in the quarter-finals, more than any other goalkeeper in Liverpool.
"He deserves it," Klopp said.
In the training center we have a wall with the names of all the goalkeepers who have won something and Kouven can write his name there.. That's very cool.”
Follow our latest local and sports news and the latest political and economic developments via Google news