Caoimhin Kelleher has enjoyed a brilliant campaign after deciding to stay at Liverpool last summer
It was the worst possible way to lose against the worst possible opponents at arguably the worst possible venue. Now, just three weeks on from the lowest moment of a season otherwise packed with highs, Liverpool return to the scene of the crime.
And as goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher explains, another trip to Old Trafford could not come soon enough for Jurgen Klopp and his players.
“It’s nice for us to be going back so we can right the wrong of that FA Cup defeat,” says the goalkeeper. “It’s the sooner the better for us. Maybe in the second half we weren’t as clinical as we should have been. We made a lot of chances and should have put the game to bed – and when you don’t do that then anything can happen.
“It was a good lesson. It was my first time playing at Old Trafford and you could feel the crowd. It’s similar to Anfield. We have to manage that better as well. We will go there and try to control the crowd as much as we can.
“There was a feeling that we should have had it won. We were also a bit disappointed in our overall performance so we want to go back there and do much better. You need to take your chances.”
While Liverpool’s dramatic 4-3 loss last month ended hopes of an unprecedented quadruple, the Reds know victory this afternoon would represent a significant statement in the battle against Arsenal and Manchester City for the Premier League title.
Klopp’s side responded to that loss by returning from the international break with hard-earned home wins over Brighton and, on Thursday, rock-bottom Sheffield United.
“Obviously we realise we can do a lot better than that in terms of performance,” reflects Kelleher on the 3-1 win over the Blades. “But winning was the main thing and we’re happy to get the win. We know we’re coming to the end of the season and the games are getting fewer and fewer – and more important as well in terms of the result. But we’re just taking it game by game.”
Should it come down to a battle of who best holds their nerve between the three main contenders over the closing weeks, Liverpool will benefit from having the seemingly unflappable Kelleher between the sticks.
“I don’t know why, it’s just my personality,” says the 25-year-old when asked how he manages to remain so composed during matches. “I am quite relaxed off the pitch and on it, I trust in my ability – and I’ve always believed in the ability I have.
“I suppose I take that belief with me and try to show my personality out there. It’s important that you have the ability to stay level-headed as a goalkeeper because you need to make good decisions in a split-second.
“You need to be able to stay calm if you are to make those right decisions. I don’t get overly nervous for games. That’s just my personality. I’ve always been quite calm – and it’s worked out well so far.”
Kelleher is enjoying his longest spell of consecutive games in the Liverpool first team having started the last 12 games in place of the injured Alisson Becker. On Thursday, his 24th outing of the campaign meant he moved level with the Brazilian in terms of appearances this term, with Alisson still weeks away from making a return from his hamstring complaint.
“It’s obviously been really good for me to get this run of games,” says Kelleher. “It’s what I have been working for, to get this opportunity to play a run of games and get that rhythm. There’s been the added bonus of winning the Carabao and now going for more trophies.
“I am playing football at the highest level, going for the major trophies – and that’s what every player wants to do. I am really enjoying myself. The feedback I get from Ali and the coaching staff has all been quite positive. They know when to talk to me and when to just let me do my own thing. I know they’re always there and always positive with me. They also leave me be.”
Matters may have been somewhat different had Kelleher, when considering his Liverpool position last summer, not taken heed of the promise from Klopp that more minutes would be in the offing this campaign.
“It couldn’t have worked out much better, to be fair,” says the Republic of Ireland international. “I’ve obviously had a lot of games this season, so the decision to stay.
