Kelleher: Liverpool will “be ready to go” after international break | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Wembley Heartbreak: Tough Defeat to Take

Liverpool fell short in their quest for silverware at Wembley, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final. Despite a late Federico Chiesa goal that gave hope in stoppage time, Arne Slot’s side couldn’t find the equaliser. Speaking to Liverpool FC’s official website, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher summed up the disappointment, saying: “It’s very disappointing. It’s a tough one to take for all the lads.”

Newcastle’s Performance Deserved The Win

Newcastle, desperate to end a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy, delivered a performance that merited victory. Kelleher acknowledged this, stating: “To be fair to Newcastle, I thought they deserved it, so fair play to them. We’re bitterly disappointed.”

The Magpies took control with goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak, striking either side of half-time. Liverpool, who have been relentless in their pursuit of trophies this season, struggled to impose themselves, a fact Kelleher admitted: “I think we know ourselves we could perform better than that, which is probably that bit extra hard to take.”

Photo: IMAGO

Late Hope But No Equaliser

Chiesa’s late goal, a clinical finish from a Harvey Elliott pass, sparked belief that a dramatic comeback was possible. But Newcastle managed the closing moments efficiently, keeping Liverpool at bay. Kelleher reflected on those final minutes: “We’ll believe right until the very end and it was a good goal to get us back into it and then anything can happen. But unfortunately, we couldn’t get a second.”

Newcastle’s game management in stoppage time frustrated Liverpool, as Kelleher explained: “To be fair to them, they closed out the game well. It’s obviously difficult when the ball is in the corner to take it out and then create a chance from there.”

International Break Offers Reset

Liverpool now enter an international break before returning to Premier League action against Everton on April 2. With key players heading off to represent their countries, the short pause may provide a chance to regroup. Kelleher believes this could be beneficial: “It’s been a tough week for us but maybe the internationals come at a good time for us now to get away and just clear our heads and come back refreshed and ready to go in two weeks.”

Despite the disappointment, Liverpool still have plenty to play for, with the Premier League title and European ambitions in sight. As Kelleher put it: “Big things to play for when we get back, so we’ll be ready to go.”