Kostas Tsimikas insists Liverpool won’t be weakened by change in goal with Caoimhin Kelleher in line to start against Fulham with Alisson out injured

• Kostas Tsimikas says Liverpool won’t be weakened by their change in goal 
• Caoimhin Kelleher is set to start against Fulham with Alisson out injured 
• We expected perfection from VAR – we haven’t got it: Listen to It’s All Kicking Off 

Liverpool won’t be stunted by an enforced change in goal with Jurgen Klopp’s defenders under instructions to fly forward against Fulham on Sunday as usual.

Irishman Caoimhin Kelleher is in line for his first Premier League start of the season with regular No1 Alisson suffering a muscular injury against Manchester City last weekend.

Klopp’s side are unbeaten in the league at Anfield for 14 months and Kostas Tsimikas, himself deputising for regular left-back Andy Robertson, insists it will be business as usual.

‘We had a big respect for Caoimh. For me personally, I feel very safe when he’s the goalie,’ says the pony-tailed Tsimikas.

‘He’s a big goalkeeper and is a hard worker every day in training. He’s played for the team many times and given absolutely everything. He deserves to play with Ali injured.

Kostas Tsimikas says Liverpool won’t be weakened by fielding Caoimhin Kelleher

Tsimikas says that Liverpool do not have to change their game even though Alisson is out

Your browser does not support iframes.

‘It’s not like we have to change our game. I always try to play my game. For him to be at Liverpool, it means he is a very good goalkeeper. That’s why he is here. We’ve seen it many times in the past.

‘We have a great relationship. Always we chat together at training and always try to have fun.’

Kelleher, who Klopp has joked in the past doesn’t smile very often, has played 27 times for Liverpool – but 22 of those appearances have been in the cups.

Most notably, he was in goal when Liverpool beat Chelsea to win the EFL Cup at Wembley in 2022.

Liverpool’s new-look side have impressed in sticking to the Premier League leaders this season despite an injury list which still sees them without Diogo Jota, Alisson, Robertson, Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic.

Tsimikas is enjoying his spell in the side with vice-captain Robertson out until New Year with a shoulder injury.

‘I am enjoying playing more often and it’s a big opportunity with a lot of games in a short period,’ said the Greek international.

‘Of course, Robbo and myself want each other to be fit because it’s not possible for one person to play all the games. But it’s very big to play for a club like this and I want to keep focussed and hungry.

Tsimikas says he wants fellow left-back Andy Robertson to be fit to help the squad

‘We’ve seen many times everybody is ready at Liverpool. That’s why we fight every day even when you’re not playing. The training sessions are very in order to keep yourself fit. And when it’s your time, be 100 ercent, whether it’s Joe Gomez, Harvey Elliott, myself or whoever.

‘There is a lot of depth and that is why we are in this big club.’

Mo Salah will also look to continue his incredible run at Anfield which has seen him score or assist in Liverpool’s last 15 Premier League games at home.

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Source: Read Full Article