Liverpool manager Arne Slot hailed the club’s Academy after standout performances from Conor Bradley, Curtis Jones, and Caoimhin Kelleher in a 2-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Arne Slot Praises Liverpool Academy Trio After Historic Real Madrid Victory
The victory, secured through goals by Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo, marked Liverpool’s first triumph over the Spanish giants in over 15 years and cemented their place atop the revamped European competition.
Bradley, deputizing for the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, set up Mac Allister’s opener with a clever square ball, showcasing his composure in a high-pressure environment.
Kelleher, stepping in for Alisson Becker, delivered a pivotal penalty save against none other than Kylian Mbappe, keeping the Reds ahead at a crucial juncture.
Meanwhile, Jones, chosen over marquee signing Dominik Szoboszlai, put in a commanding display in midfield, helping Liverpool secure their fifth consecutive European victory under Slot.
Speaking after the match, Slot was full of praise for the trio and the club’s youth development system.
“Conor’s assist was a big moment—not just for him and his family but also for the Academy,” he said.
“To see a player come through the ranks and perform so well at this level is a testament to the work being done behind the scenes.”
Slot also singled out Kelleher’s heroics, calling his penalty save a defining moment in the match.
“When you see Mbappe stepping up, you assume it’s going in. But Caoimh made the save, and that was massive for us,” he said.
“Tonight should be about celebrating his contribution.”
Reflecting on Jones, Slot noted his growth as a key player.
“Curtis was superb tonight, controlling the tempo and working tirelessly. Performances like this show the depth we have in this squad.”
Slot also highlighted the collective effort, praising Ryan Gravenberch for his composure after an early yellow card and the entire team for their synergy.
“The team performance lifts the individual, and vice versa,” he said, emphasizing Liverpool’s strength as a cohesive unit.
With 17 wins in 19 games this season, Slot’s Liverpool looks unstoppable as they gear up for their next challenge against Girona on December 10.
