Caoimhín Kelleher Reveals Touching Words From Jurgen Klopp After Liverpool Exit | Balls.ie

Republic of Ireland and Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has hinted that a move away from Liverpool this summer might be on the cards, in order to fulfil his ambitions of playing regular first-team football.

The 25-year old enjoyed a sustained spell as Liverpool’s starting goalkeeper in February and March as Alisson Becker spent a period on the sidelines after suffering a nagging hamstring injury. Kelleher made ten Premier League appearances this season, keeping two clean sheets in the process.

The Cork man was Liverpool’s first choice keeper throughout their Europa League campaign that ultimately ended with a surprise loss to the eventual competition winners, Atalanta. He also guided his side to a tenth League Cup in February with a 1-0 win over Chelsea.

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Caoimhín Kelleher hints at Liverpool summer exit

Speaking at a press conference for the Irish national men’s team, who play a friendly against Hungary in the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night, Kelleher hinted that a move away from Liverpool this summer might be a possibility as the 25-year-old eyes up more game-time. Having stepped into Alisson Becker’s shoes pretty seamlessly this spring, the Corkman is keen to push on.

Kelleher spoke about working under Jurgen Klopp, who departed Anfield after 9 years at the club, and recalled the high praise he received from his former coach:

I was with him for a number of years and he said ‘You became a brilliant goalkeeper in that time.’

He is going to follow my career wherever I go. He wants to see me playing and to be happy.

He continued, and spoke about the experience he gained from playing regular first-team football with Alisson’s spell on the sidelines,”The season I’ve had, I’ve played a lot of games and had that taste this season of being a number one.”

The Corkman established his priority of playing somewhere where he will be the first-choice goalkeeper, hinting at a potential move away from Anfield this summer.

Whether that’s at Liverpool or elsewhere, that remains to be seen. My main focus at the moment is to be number one.

Currently in national camp ahead of two June friendlies, against Hungary and Portugal, Kelleher stated his ambitions to be first-choice goalkeeper for the national team. His competition for the spot, Gavin Bazunu, most recently enjoyed promotion back to the Premier League with Southampton last weekend, and is expected to be a regular feature for the Saints in the 2024/25 Premier League season.

Obviously I love playing for Ireland. A big ambition of mine is to be the number one here – obviously that only comes hand in hand when I’m number one at the club as well.

That plays a major part as well, in terms of helping my case to be Ireland number one.

I don’t think there was any internal doubt from myself. I think anyone at Liverpool would be the same. It was more so me getting the opportunity to prove to everyone else that I’m good enough to play at this level.

I was always waiting for that opportunity to get a run of games and yes, I think that was the main objective, to prove to everyone else.I always believed in myself I was good enough, but it was about showing to everyone else that I’m capable of playing at this level.”

It will certainly be interesting to see what happens with the goalkeeper over the summer transfer window.

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