Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was eager to heap praise on The Reds’ sub goalkeeper Adrian after his surprise late appearance in Saturday’s win against Brighton
Adrian was on the bench and not expect to be called into action so late in the game. However, when Liverpool’s first-choice ‘keeper Alisson received a straight red card for handling the ball outside the box, Adrian had to come on.
Immediately, Brighton scored a quickly-taken free-kick which caught Adrian out as the Spaniard was still arranging his defensive wall.
Such an occurrence within a minute of Adrian’s introduction could have spelt disaster for Liverpool’s reserve goalkeeper. But Adrian coped with Brighton’s quest for an equaliser in the dying minutes of the game. Despite one fumble, which he then recovered straight away, Adrian did well to help Liverpool to the three points.
Speaking to reporters in his post-match interview, Jurgen Klopp said:
“My man of the match is Adrian, coming on in a game like this and having that knock of the free-kick.
“I want to read something [in the press] about that situation. It is incredible. An ice-cold ‘keeper getting his gloves ready and then… [whistle]. That is our life. Then being in the game to make two saves.
“He saved our lives and I am happy for him he can play the derby.”
No doubt, it was another piece of brilliant man-management for Klopp to go on the record with such quotes. He will need a confident Adrian in goals for the derby on Wednesday night.
Alisson is only suspended for one game but with a hectic winter schedule now getting underway for The Reds, Adrian knows he could be called on again after the Everton game, sooner rather than later.
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