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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has explained his decision to start goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher ahead of Alisson for the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle and says it was “not that difficult”.

Alisson Becker or Caoimhin Kelleher? Liverpool Carabao Cup final starting XI verdict delivered	Why Caoimhin Kelleher starts instead of Alisson for Carabao Cup final	Arne Slot explains Caoimhin Kelleher decision with 'difficult' Liverpool admission

The 26-year-old Irishman will start in his third Carabao Cup final in a row for Liverpool after starring in the Reds’ previous two victories at Wembley in this competition in 2022 and 2024.

Kelleher has played in every Carabao Cup round for Liverpool this season, barring the semi-final first leg defeat at Tottenham, and was impressive earlier in the campaign when first-choice keeper Alisson was injured.



Follow LIVE: Liverpool face Newcastle in Carabao Cup final

The Brazilian was hailed by Slot as the “best in the world” after Liverpool’s victory at Paris Saint-Germain but drops to the bench as the Dutch coach looks to win his first trophy in England against Eddie Howe’s side.

There was only one moment where I played Alisson [in the Carabao Cup] and that was when he had been out for a long time and he needed game time to be back at his best [in the first leg against Tottenham].
For more news relating to Newcastle United, visit our sister site NUFC Latest Live.