Caoimhin Kelleher discusses new manager Arne Slot amid growing speculation about his own Liverpool future
Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, eager for regular first-team football, has impressed during Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the USA.
Caoimhin Kelleher has opened up about life under new Liverpool manager Arne Slot - amid growing speculation about his own future at Anfield.
The Ireland goalkeeper has quickly won over the new Reds chief thanks to his displays in pre-season wins over Arsenal and Manchester United.
However, that hasn’t quelled speculation that he could be on his way out of the club.
READ MORE: Waterford pocket record fee as Southampton snap up young star
Reports at the weekend that Liverpool are interested in signing Valencia’s Georgia international Giorgi Mamardashvili have sparked renewed speculation over Kelleher’s future.
Reports have emerged that Liverpool might be prepared to sell their €25m-rated Ireland star.
The Corkman said at the end of last season that he was finally ready to become a first-team regular - and he admitted that it might not happen at Anfield.
But he has started well under Slot, with number one choice Alisson given extra time off after his Copa America exploits with Brazil.
Speaking about his first few weeks working under Jurgen Klopp’s replacement, Kelleher told the Liverpool website: “(He) has come in and has his new ideas and wants us to work on them, and as you can see I think game by game it is getting better.
“The ideas are becoming more clear in the head for all of us, so it’s definitely improving and we’ve had tough games over here as well.”
The Reds defeated Arsenal 2-1 in Philadelphia and then saw off Manchester United 3-0 three days later in South Carolina.
Kelleher said: “He did say it has been three days since our last game, it was a good win against Arsenal, but we need to follow that up because it is going to be like that the whole season.
“Every three days we will have a game, so his main message was to back up that performance against Arsenal with this one.
“The head coach has said it’s pre-season but we need to win games, that’s what we need to do, so we’ve been trying to take that onboard as well.
“Obviously playing the football and doing the stuff that he wants but also getting results as well because that’s the most important thing. It’s been a great camp.”
Kelleher has shared goalkeeping duties this pre-season with former St Patrick’s Athletic loanee and FAI Cup winner Vitezslav Jaros.
They each played 45 minutes in the win over Manchester United - and both were busy.
“Sometimes it’s nice to have games when you make saves,” said Kelleher. “It’s easier when you are busy to make saves so it’s good to be there for the team.
“I need to mention Vit as well, who made some brilliant saves in the second half. There was a lot of efforts at our goal and both of us were busy.
“It’s nice to get these games where we have to show up for the team and show them that we are there to help them as well.”
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
