In an interview with the official website, Liverpool goalkeeper Freddie Woodman talked about the upcoming League Cup match, his views on this competition, his decision to join Liverpool and his relationship with rival Crystal Palace.

What do you think of your possible chances in the League Cup?

Anytime I put on the shirt for this club, whether it's in pre-season or any other game, I always try to do my best and enjoy the moment because I spent most of my career in the Championship, so to play for a club with such a rich history is pretty special.

How seriously does this club attach importance to the League Cup?

It is obvious that this club takes this tournament very seriously, just like all other tournaments. When you get to the final stages and you go to Wembley you see how important it is to the fans. We train in the goalkeeper area of ​​the training center and I often see pictures of Kelleher on the wall after his recent finals success, which goes to show how important it is. If you win trophies at this club you can really write yourself in history, so I know how important it is and the club recognizes how important this competition is.

How did you decide to join Liverpool in the summer?

For the last five or six years I have been playing steadily, albeit in the Championship and a few Premier League games. I wanted to keep playing and I was only 28, but in a conversation in the summer Liverpool came up. I had other options but my dad said to me: 'How can you say no to Liverpool? You just can't do it. ’ I’m very happy with my decision because I get to work with the best players in the world, I get to work up close with Alisson and Mamardashvili, both top goalkeepers, and I think they’re only going to make me better and help me develop.

Would it be special if it was your debut against Crystal Palace because you're a Palace fan?

As far as playing football is concerned, I came into contact with football very late. Obviously, I grew up watching my dad (former pro goalkeeper Andy) but I just played a little bit occasionally. To me, this happened completely randomly. I was in middle school and our team used to rotate the lineup. One day it was my turn to be in goal and I had a teacher at the time, Mr Bruce, who was the coach at Crystal Palace. After that lesson he came up to me and said he wanted me to go to Crystal Palace Park, where the academy is, that night for a trial. This is where it all started for me.

What other connection do you have with Crystal Palace?

I used to go to Selhurst Park with my grandfather because he had a season ticket there. I've been a caddy a few times, I've been a mascot, I just love it there. As a lad from south London, being a Crystal Palace fan was something you were really born with.