Caoimhín Kelleher says he is ignoring the speculation surrounding his long term future as he prepares to make his first Champions League start at Anfield.
Liverpool entertain Bayer Leverkusen.
The Irishman has the chance to shine once again, Alisson faces a lengthy spell on the side lines with a hamstring injury. Kelleher notched up 26 appearances last season in all competitions, including eight games in the Europa League, so is no stranger to the big occasions as Liverpool’s keeper.
His long term future is under scrutiny, and only mounts the better he plays. “My focus is on nothing but this current season and playing as well as I can. Obviously there was discussions in the summer but I’m here and that’s the main thing. That’s what my focus is on, not my future”.
Kelleher knows all about magical European nights at Anfield, given his Europa League experience. “It’s always electric here and it’s something I’m looking forward to. I’ve experienced many special games here in this competition, albeit not playing so it should be a memorable night for me”.
With injuries hampering Liverpool’s squad in recent seasons, Kelleher believes they are better prepared to stay in the hunt on all fronts. “The club is in a great place with the new manager as well as the squad, everything is going well and we will try to challenge in all competitions this season”.
Xabi Alonso’s return to Anfield, almost 15 years since he left for Real Madrid, only adds spice to the occasion. The Liverpool legend was tipped to take over from Jurgen Klopp, until he pledged his future to the German champions. “I remember watching him play for Liverpool when I was younger and Real Madrid also. He was a world class player and obviously a great manager too”.
Liverpool will be hoping facing Leverkusen is a good omen. The last time the two sides met was in the quarter finals of the Champions League back in 2005, and the Merseysiders went all the way to lift the trophy.
Kelleher is relishing every opportunity amid the season long debate over the new extended European formats. Manchester City’s Rodri has even suggesting players could go on strike because of the fears of player burn out. It may well be different challenge and work load for goalkeepers but Kelleher still has to adapt. “It’s different in the sense that it’s now eight different opponents, it makes it a bit trickier to prepare for the games. In the past you’d play a team twice so you had a better idea of what you were facing in the second game. It’s great to visit different stadiums and different atmospheres though”.
