Giorgi Mamardashvili judged by Virgil van Dijk after keeping Liverpool alive
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool IconLiverpool FC NewsFeaturesGiorgi MamardashviliThe deputy goalkeeper was introduced for just his second appearance since late November, and pulled off two impressive saves to keep Liverpool in the Champions League last-16 tieVirgil van Dijk praised Giorgi Mamardashvili's performance in the 1-0 loss to GalatasarayVirgil van Dijk praised Giorgi Mamardashvili’s performance as Liverpool lost 1-0 at Galatasaray on Tuesday.The goalkeeper was a relatively late introduction for Alisson, who suffered a hamstring injury in Monday’s training session and was forced to withdraw from the squad that flew to Turkey for the Champions League last-16 first leg.Mamardashvili was drafted in for just the 12th time since joining from Valencia last summer - and only a second appearance since late November, when Alisson recovered from a similar hamstring issue. Yet he had to quickly adapt to the news of Alisson’s injury, and put in an impressive display in front of the partizan home support at RAMS Park.The goalkeeper clawed away with Noah Lang’s cross with an excellent reaction stop in the first half and also thwarted Davinson Sanchez’s header with a full-length sprawl, as he helped keep the deficit to just one goal.
To hear the news after training and obviously to completely change his mindset to be ready for a big game like this in the circumstances, last 16, he did well,” said the Liverpool skipper.“That's the job of any of us – to be ready whenever called upon.”Mamardashvili put in an impressive performance in IstanbulMamardashvili made three saves in the first leg, which was settled by Mario Lemina’s first-half header from a corner.Whether the Georgian stopper is required for the second leg, or Sunday’s Premier League clash against Tottenham, is unclear. Slot will likely provide an update in Friday’s pre-match press conference.Another odd irony of Mamardashvili’s involvement on Tuesday was the news of Alisson’s injury broke just hours after quotes emerged from the deputy keeper, where he spoke of the need to remain patient and wait for his chance to play.Mamardashvili has mainly played back up to Alisson this season(Image: Getty Images)“If I don’t play, I don’t mind.
Maybe not this year but my time will come,” the 25-year-old said on the Reds’ Roundtable.“My ex goalkeeper coach, Jose Manuel Ochotorena, when I was in Valencia, told me I have to find balance between ambition and patience, you know. So keep working hard and you never know when your chance is coming.“I signed for Liverpool almost two years ago and I had to wait last season until I came here,” he added.