Slot Talk: On Liverpool’s Depth at Goalkeeper

Freddie Woodman of Liverpool acknowledges the fans following the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Hill Dickinson Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Speaking to the press ahead of Liverpool’s home Premier League match against Crystal Palace, head coach Arne Slot was asked to comment on third-choice Freddie Woodman’s readiness for the start following his success against Everton:

For a reason, we’ve signed an experienced third goalkeeper. Usually you don’t need him that much but there could be situations if one is injured and the other one gets a suspension – that usually makes more sense than expecting two goalkeepers to be injured. Then it’s needed to have a third goalkeeper with experience and that’s why we were happy that we could pick him up on a free transfer this summer, apart from him being a good goalkeeper – which he’s shown.

I think when he was young he won the Euros with the U17s and I think with the U20s he won the World Cup. Then he made himself a career at Newcastle, at Preston North End and has the experience to play even at Premier League but definitely at Championship level. And apart from that, he’s a very good man and he’s very liked in the dressing room, and I think that’s also a role that’s important for the third goalkeeper if he’s not playing. If he’s playing, it’s more important that he has a good performance than that his teammates like him. And that’s why I think he’s ready for it, but it will always be helpful if the fans are there to support him tomorrow.

Given the injuries to his first- and second-choice goalkeepers, Slot was also asked to comment on young Hungarian goalkeeper Ármin Pécsi’s potential readiness should he be called upon: