Sport
John Aldridge Criticizes Liverpool’s Decision to Sign Mamardashvili Over Kelleher
Liverpool legend John Aldridge has expressed concerns over the club’s decision to prioritize the signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili over retaining their backup goalkeeper.
Caoimhin Kelleher believes he is the superior player. Aldridge, a former striker for the Reds, voiced his frustration at what he sees as a poor decision by the club’s management, especially given Kelleher’s consistent performances when called upon last season.
Kelleher, the Irish goalkeeper, was thrust into the spotlight due to regular injuries to first-choice keeper Alisson.
Despite being a backup, Kelleher impressed with his performances, making 26 appearances and keeping five clean sheets.
His contribution was significant, especially during moments when Alisson was sidelined, and many fans and pundits alike praised him for his solid displays between the posts.
However, despite these strong performances, Liverpool has already agreed to sign Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia, with the Georgian goalkeeper set to join the club in the summer of 2025.
Mamardashvili, widely regarded as a promising young talent, has caught the eye of several top European clubs with his performances in La Liga.
But Aldridge is not convinced that Mamardashvili will be an upgrade on Kelleher, arguing that the Irish goalkeeper is currently the better option.
Aldridge expressed his belief that Kelleher’s future at Liverpool could be in jeopardy with the arrival of Mamardashvili.
He suggested that the club could be making a mistake by pushing Kelleher out to make room for the Georgian keeper, who will likely be seen as a long-term replacement for Alisson.
Aldridge believes Kelleher is a valuable asset and should not be overlooked, as he has already shown his worth in critical moments during the season.
He told Sunday World, “I think Liverpool are making a mistake with their Ireland keeper.
Kelleher is better than Mamardashvili, who will arrive at Anfield next summer.”
Pep Guardiola has chosen Bernardo Silva as Manchester City’s new captain, handing the midfielder the armband without putting it to a team vote. Silva steps into the role following the exit of Kevin De Bruyne, whose contract with City recently expired. Guardiola also named Ruben Dias, Rodri, and Erling Haaland as the team’s new vice-captains for the upcoming season.
Silva’s current contract runs out next summer, meaning his time as captain could be short if no new deal is signed. Though he’s turned down multiple transfer offers in recent windows, interest in the Portuguese playmaker remains strong, with clubs from Saudi Arabia and former side Benfica still keen on him.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are set to face long-time rivals Ghana’s Black Princesses in a friendly match as part of their build-up to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Coach Justine Madugu’s team also has a second friendly lined up against Portugal, which will be played on Monday, June 23.
The clash with Ghana will take place in Morocco, where the Black Princesses are already camped in Benslimane for their final round of preparations. Meanwhile, the Super Falcons will travel to Portugal later this week to begin their own final training phase ahead of the tournament.
Nigeria is in Group B, where they will take on Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria. Ghana, on the other hand, will compete in Group C alongside defending champions South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania.
Real Madrid might be without Kylian Mbappe for their Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal on Wednesday, as the forward is currently down with an illness. Mbappe missed training ahead of the match, and new manager Xabi Alonso says a final decision will be made on game day.
“Kylian felt a bit better this morning, but not well enough just yet,” Alonso said. “We’ll wait till tomorrow morning to make the call.” Madrid could also be missing key players Antonio Rudiger and Eduardo Camavinga.
“Rudiger gave everything this season. I’m not sure he’ll be in the squad, but he’s recovering fast and should be back first. Camavinga is getting better too, but he still needs some time,” Alonso added. Alonso is set to take charge of Madrid for the first time, but injuries and illness may leave him without some of his top stars.
-
Sport24 hours ago“I Can’t Handle That” – Osimhen Rejects Idea of Joining Fenerbahçe
-
News23 hours agoEverything You Need to Know About the Bloodshed in Benue
-
Sport24 hours agoOsimhen Tells Galatasaray He Needs More Time to Decide His Next Move
-
Entertainment4 hours agoSean Diddy’s Trial Enters Week Six Amid Silence and Mounting Accusations
-
Allegedly7 hours agoTyler Perry Accused of Sexual Harassment and Assault, Attorney Labels Claims a ‘Scam’
-
Sport2 hours agoMaresca Calls Palmer a Top Player and Urges Him to Keep Giving His Best
-
Sport2 hours agoMbappe Might Miss Club World Cup Opener Due to Illness
-
Sport2 hours agoSuper Falcons to Play Against Ghana in Friendly as They Prepare for WAFCON