24-year-old Liverpool player admits he’s feeling much sharper than last season

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Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has admitted that he’s in much better shape this season.

Having won Liverpool the Carabao Cup in 2021/22, Kelleher had been expected to kick on last year. However, early exits in the Carabao and FA Cups meant he played just four times all season.

With the Reds playing Europa League football this campaign, Kelleher has already equalled that tally this time around. And speaking to liverpoolfc.com ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Toulouse, the Irishman says he’s feeling sharper for it.

“I’m obviously very happy that the manager has trusted me to start the games in this competition and also getting the League Cup games so far as well,” says the 24-year-old. “It’s been good for me and obviously given me a good chunk of game time. So yeah, I’ve been happy to play in this competition and it’s obviously good opponents you’re playing against and you get good away days like this [vs Toulouse].”

“I think obviously playing a bit more games as well is giving me that more match sharpness. So yeah, just trying to be ready as well for in case the worst happens. I’m just trying to be prepared for that and also be prepared for the games that I will be starting.

“I’m feeling good. Like I said, feeling that bit much more sharper than probably last season, getting a bit more game time and obviously that gives me a bit more confidence as well to go out and keep playing well. So, I’ve been happy and obviously just want to continue in that same vein of form.”

Kelleher feeling better

After a disappointing year, it looked virtually certain that Kelleher would leave Liverpool in search of game time during the summer.

However, for whatever reason, the Ireland international ended up staying.

That’s good news for Jurgen Klopp, who knows he can rely on Kelleher whenever he’s called upon. But for Caoimhin, it does mean another year is likely to go by without him playing all that much.

Nevertheless, the Europa League is giving him a chance to keep his eye in. Alisson Becker has played one of the three matches so far, but that was due to an injury to Kelleher.

It will be interesting to see what Klopp decides to do with his ‘keepers if and when Liverpool progress in the competition.

From our point of view, Kelleher deserves the chance to play the full campaign. However, you can see the merit of sticking Alisson in should the Reds get to the semis or the final of the tournament.

Either way, there’s still a relatively long road to get there, with Caoimhin trusted to see Liverpool in good hands.

The former academy goalie will also get another chance in the Carabao, with a home tie against West Ham providing a good opportunity for further progress. A better season ahead for Caoimh, for sure.