'Your head's racing': Vitezslav Jaros shares what happened on Liverpool's bench after Alisson got injured
Today at 11:18 AM
Liverpool came through an awkward Saturday lunchtime game against Crystal Palace with a 1-0 win.
The Reds headed to Selhurst Park hoping to make it six wins from seven games in the Premier League.
And although they were very good value for an early lead given to them by Diogo Jota, Liverpool faded badly in the second-half.
After a tough midweek test against Bologna in the Champions League, perhaps that was always to be expected.
What was not in the script, though, was Alisson Becker picking up yet another hamstring injury.
Regular deputy Caoimhin Kelleher was left out of the matchday squad through illness, meaning that third-choice goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros was thrown in for his Liverpool debut.
Vitezslav Jaros reacts to unexpected Liverpool debut
Liverpool will now wait and see how long Alisson is out for. It helps that an international break is now on the horizon, but there’s still a chance the 32-year-old misses a significant amount of time.
For however long Alisson is laid out for, Jaros will now find himself at the very least on the Liverpool bench.
Kelleher will no doubt be back for the clash with Chelsea in two weeks, but the Czech goalkeeper showed against Palace that he can step in if needs be.
And reacting to his first ever appearance for the Reds in a post-game interview with LFCTV, Jaros was asked what Arne Slot and the Liverpool coaching staff said to him before his late introduction.
READ MORE: Arne Slot confirms Liverpool picked up second injury against Crystal Palace after Alisson Becker
“Not much really and I think it’s better because your head’s racing already,” answered the 23-year-old.
“And then everyone around you is saying ‘there’s your shirt, put your shin pads on’ and all this. They didn’t say much and I think it’s better.”
Jaros admits to ‘stressful’ Liverpool introduction
As well as explaining the moments before his entrance onto the pitch in South London, Jaros also shared how he personally was feeling after the final whistle blew.
“A brilliant feeling, something you dream of as a kid,” beamed the goalkeeper.
“Obviously it’s a bit stressful coming on as a ‘keeper especially in a game like this when it was up and down towards the end but managed to get the clean sheet and managed to get the three points. So, brilliant.”
Asked whether he felt ‘ready’ to step in if needed again, Jaros claimed that his experiences out on-loan during his career so far had prepared him for the moment.
“I went on a few loans in the past which I think got me ready, so I’m ready and available to play whenever,” he said.
Although his introduction on Saturday spells bad news for Liverpool and Alisson, it is still worth celebrating a good display from this young man. Great work, Vitek!
