Vitezslav Jaros expressed his delight after making a memorable first start for Liverpool on Wednesday night.
Having made his debut as a substitute in the recent win against Crystal Palace, the goalkeeper was named in Arne Slot’s starting XI for the Carabao Cup fourth-round match against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Jaros rewarded his head coach’s faith with several key contributions, helping the Reds secure a quarter-final matchup with Southampton following a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Seagulls.
His standout moment came during a goalless first half, where he made a crucial one-on-one save to deny Tariq Lamptey.
He continued to shine after the break, notably making a pivotal diving save to deflect Simon Adingra’s header onto the post.
“Delighted,” Vitezslav Jaros told Liverpoolfc.com post-match at Amex Stadium.
“I’m really happy that I could help the team like this in a tough game against Brighton away.
“I’m over the moon with my performance and the team performance.
“[A first save in the game] calms you down, whatever it is, whether it’s a catch or a save you can get early on to calm you down and settle you in.
“That helps a lot.
“I didn’t really know too much about [the Adingra header], I was just getting across then the header went back across the goal and I just stuck my hand out to get something on it – and it went wide luckily.”
“I think the boys dug in, you could see the last five to 10 minutes we were under the cosh a little bit and Brighton brought some players on who caused us trouble,” added Jaros.
“But we managed to handle it and get through into the hat for the next round.”
Many members of the squad know the thrill of lifting the Carabao Cup, having participated in last season’s victory over Chelsea in the final at Wembley.
Jaros explained that there is a strong desire within the group to experience that kind of success again.
“It’s massive because the boys won it last season,” he said of the competition.
“Everyone wants to carry on and defend the trophy and go to Wembley again.”
Read more: Pep Guardiola reveals more Manchester City injury blows
Virgil van Dijk hints at career change after playing days are over
Arne Slot opens up on Liverpool ‘competition’ after Brighton win
