Chelsea star Levi Colwill faces the team that he could have joined in the summer when he goes in search of the Carabao Cup. The England defender turned down interest from Liverpool and ensured that his family would have split loyalties when the Blues take on Jurgen Klopp’s outfit in Sunday’s showpiece.
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After returning from an impressive loan spell at Brighton there were concerns over whether Colwill would get the opportunity to impress at Stamford Bridge this season, with Liverpool lurking as the centre-back pondered his future. However, after receiving assurances from Mauricio Pochettino he penned a new six-year contract at Chelsea.
Colwill has been a key figure under the Argentinian boss this season, often at left-back rather than his favoured role in the middle of the defence, and has a chance to prove that he made the right decision staying in London.
Ahead of Sunday’s final, Colwill reflected on his upbringing with two Liverpool-supporting parents and the sacrifices they made to ensure he had the best chance of realising a career in professional football.
“The night before a big game I always like to think back to those moments,” Colwill said as quoted by the Daily Star. “I’m laid-back but like to have that little bit of anger in me so, in myself, I know I can’t lose any battles.
“It gives me motivation how much my parents did for me, driving all the way up from Southampton. They never complained and my little brother would be in the car and he’d never complain. Those things give me the motivation – and that bit of anger is a big thing for me. That bite really gets me going before games. My family worked so hard for me. I can’t let that go to waste.”
But there will be no apologies to mum or dad if Colwill gets one over on Liverpool and ends the day holding the Carabao Cup aloft. “If we beat them, I’ll give dad stick,” Colwill explained. “Last season at Brighton, we won 3-0 against Liverpool, I gave him some and he didn’t like it!”
