Slott: Kieza Can’t Play Full Matches Yet, Kelleher to Start, Possible Debut of U21 Starlet

On September 26 at 3 AM, in the third round of the English League Cup, Liverpool will play against West Ham United at home. At the pre-match press conference, Liverpool manager Slott talked about the team’s investment issues, Kieza, and goalkeeper problems.

When asked whether this English League Cup match is important, Slott said: “The game is important because it’s our next game. In my view, the most important game is always: the next one.”

When asked if Kieza could start, Slott pointed out: “I don’t think he can play for 90 minutes right now. He has only played a maximum of 25 minutes in the past three to four months. In our view, he can start, so we’ll evaluate. But I don’t think he can currently play 90 minutes against strong opponents and provide the intensity we need.”

Slott also pointed out that the second-choice goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher will start: “Will Kelleher start? Definitely. Alisson has recovered from injury, but playing now might be too early, let’s see how things go by the weekend against Wolves. I’m not surprised by Kelleher’s performance; he was already outstanding during the preseason training. It’s good for us because we have two really great goalkeepers, and our third-choice goalkeeper is also very strong. It’s great to see the team keep a clean sheet, Kelleher faced some challenges, but he did a really great job.”

Slott pointed out that all players are eager to play: “I think every player is very eager to get playing time. There are too many games in this team, so we have many good players. They fight for a great team and play in front of great fans. Who wouldn’t want to play such games!”

Slott also talked about defensive issues: “Although we needed our goalkeeper to make some saves to keep a clean sheet in the last game, the team’s defensive performance was really good. Trent (Arnold)’s praise for me? It’s nice to hear that. I think we all know what Jurgen Klopp’s departure means to them. Hearing him comment on his new coach after a few months is good. Replacing a great coach like Klopp is never an easy task. Does Trent need to stay ‘focused’? The only thing I know is that we’re talking about a player who has won the Champions League and the league title. In my view, he has been an excellent defender throughout his career.”

Slott also revealed that Liverpool may field young starlets born in 2007, such as Nioni: “First, let’s see how everyone arrives today, then we’ll make plans for each player. Currently, I believe it’s more suitable to include young players like Nioni in the first-team squad rather than having him follow the Liverpool U21 team.”