Kelleher Opens Up on Liverpool Exit and Brentford Ambitions
Caoimhín Kelleher has revealed why the time was lastly proper to depart Liverpool, ending a decade-long keep at Anfield to affix Brentford as their new No 1 goalkeeper. Chatting with , the Republic of Eire worldwide admitted that whereas the compliments about being “the perfect No 2 goalkeeper within the Premier League” have been flattering, his focus was all the time on turning into a starter.
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“In fact, you hear that type of stuff,” Kelleher mentioned. “It’s a pleasant praise… however now I need to be that No 1 and present folks that I’m fairly a superb No 1 as effectively.”
After 10 Premier League appearances in Liverpool’s title-winning marketing campaign final season, Kelleher leaves with a medal and recollections he calls “a pleasant strategy to end”. However with Alisson Becker exhibiting no indicators of departing and simply 12 months left on his deal, the 26-year-old knew the second had come to maneuver.
Why Brentford Was the Good Match
Brentford tracked Kelleher for years earlier than making their transfer this summer time, paying £12.5m to deliver him in as Mark Flekken’s substitute. The Irishman was impressed by the Bees’ “amazingly-run” operation and their document in creating expertise.
Picture: IMAGO
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“I wished to be a No 1 and wished to do this for this season,” he defined. “As soon as [Brentford] registered their curiosity I used to be fairly eager and issues moved fairly shortly.”
Kelleher additionally had glowing experiences from former Liverpool teammate Fábio Carvalho and fellow Eire worldwide Nathan Collins, now Brentford captain.
Responding to Goalkeeping Critics
One frustration for Kelleher is how pundits focus on his place. “It’s uneducated individuals who don’t know the place,” he mentioned, calling for extra former goalkeepers like Joe Hart and Rob Inexperienced to supply knowledgeable evaluation.
Excessive Hopes for the Season Forward
Regardless of managerial adjustments at Brentford – with Thomas Frank changed by Keith Andrews – Kelleher stays optimistic. “We completed tenth final season and possibly in some unspecified time in the future you need to push into Europe as effectively, which might be superb for this membership.”
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For Liverpool followers, his departure marks the tip of an period for a participant who proved dependable every time known as upon, particularly in cup finals and high-pressure league matches.
Our View – Anfield Index Evaluation
From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, Kelleher’s transfer appears like a bittersweet however inevitable parting. For years, he was the security internet behind Alisson – calm, technically assured, and infrequently stepping up in defining moments, most memorably the Carabao Cup closing in 2022. Followers knew his high quality deserved greater than occasional begins.
Brentford appears to be like like a well-chosen vacation spot. Their observe document with participant improvement, mixed with a tactical model that values technical capability from the again, ought to go well with Kelleher’s skillset completely. The presence of Irish teammates additionally provides a smoother transition, each culturally and by way of dressing-room chemistry.