Arne Slot has offered an honest reflection on Caoimhin Kelleher’s exit and admitted the Irishman was right to move on in search of regular football.
Speaking ahead of our clash with Brentford this weekend, the Dutchman addressed the reunion with Kelleher that awaits.
Slot explains why Kelleher was right to leave Liverpool
The 26-year-old goalkeeper joined Brentford this summer in a deal worth up to £18 million, ending a decade-long spell at Anfield.
Kelleher’s parting message showed the affection he still holds for the club, thanking staff, teammates and supporters for “helping shape me into the man I am today” and promising he would “always have a special place in my heart for this club and city.”
Now, Slot has shared his perspective on the decision, telling reporters: “Maybe a goalkeeper is an exception, but in general I don’t think it’s a healthy situation for a player to be on the bench longer than a year or miss out on many games in a year and then go into a next season.
“It’s so hard for them to keep giving everything on a daily basis.
“For Caoimh, like I said, goalkeepers are a bit of an exception, but he did this for so many years that he felt it was time for him to start playing – and he has shown that he is right because he is doing really well.”
It’s a fair assessment from our boss, who has already overseen several squad players leaving – such as Jarell Quansah and Harvey Elliott – in search of regular football elsewhere.
Kelleher, meanwhile, has immediately impressed at Brentford, bringing calmness and control to their side.
Injury updates as Liverpool prepare for Brentford
Slot also confirmed several fitness concerns ahead of the trip, revealing that Jeremie Frimpong is “not in a good place” with a hamstring issue that will keep him out for “a while.”
There are also doubts over Alexander Isak and Ryan Gravenberch, while Alisson remains sidelined.
“Alex, not too bad. [A] question mark for the weekend, so let’s see where he is then. And that’s the same to be said about Ryan,” said the Liverpool boss.
“Alisson is not in the squad tomorrow. That’s also going to take a little bit longer.”
The weekend fixture will be an emotional one for Kelleher, who left Anfield after making 67 appearances, keeping eight clean sheets and winning both the League Cup and FA Cup during his time with us.
Slot’s comments underline the mutual respect that remains between the club and one of its most popular academy graduates – even as they now find themselves on opposite sides.
You can watch Slot’s full pre-Brentford press conference via Empire of the Kop on YouTube:
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Pity kellegher was let go or sold by us and we pay double what we got kellegher for a keeper I do not trust and doesn’t sweep up as good as kellegher. We didn’t buy too many players but we sold too many that were brought trough the Liverpool way. Kellegher Quanshai and Elliot should never have been sold.
100% right
Kelleher was a solid #2 to Alisson but was never going to replace him. And on current evidence, still wouldn’t.
Quansah had potential and then decided it was better to focus on OnlyFans “content creators” rather than learning from Van Dijk. Leo I showed more composure, fire and potential in 60 minutes than Quansah did last season.
As for Elliott, the same Elliott who has only played 5 games for Villa? Who was on the bench mid-week when he should have been starting? Over Wirtz?
Kellegher is a far better keeper than what we paid 30 million for. Quansha paying every week in bundislega and on the england squad. Elliot is a continence to villa for there fair play issues. Also note the score v go ahead eagles maybe he should or could have been used. As for the keeper not fair to compare any to Allison but his more prone to injuries than his earlier years with us
I think some people are looking through emerald tinted glasses.
Kellegher’s is a fine keeper. International class, but the Georgian is looking better.
Other than Ekitike, he’s impressed most out of the new signings. He’s quietly got on with looking a safe pair of hands and is so far, looking a worthy successor to Allisson.
Kellegher on occasion lacked a bit confidence.
eg. A particular away game vs. Newcastle springs to mind. Perhaps that was due to not playing enough games, but this is England’s premier club.
Of course, goals will be shipped by any team no matter how good they are, if their defence isn’t performing up to scratch.
I was genuinely sorry to see him leave, but he smelled the coffee and wanted regular first team play.
As for Quansah and Elliot.
They wanted regular first team also.
The fees they sold for were also good value for LFC to offset the new signings.
Quansah’s doing well in Germany, I believe.
Elliot, for some reason isn’t being used much by Emery. Villa are hardly playing as well as they can either, despite the w/end’s result vs. City.
That’s something that will have to resolve itself in time.
All the top, top goalies have a presence.
To play for the top European teams, you need to be strong, frightening to strikers and have catlike reflexes.
Look at Ederson and Donnarumma at City, Alisson at LFC, Martinez at Villa and others. They’re all big fellas.
Ciaomhin has all of the above, but not the size to intimidate the opposition.
Footy at the top level is ruthless, every advantage is taken to turn the toss of a coin one’s own way.
I.m.o. that’s the reason Kelleher couldn’t secure regular first team selection at LFC.
Jürgen alluded to it also.
Still love CK though. Hope him and Jordan have great times there.