Caoimhin Kelleher. Picture: GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Imagesplaceholder image
Caoimhin Kelleher. Picture: GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images | GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images
The former Liverpool goalkeeper discussed the tragic passing of Diogo Jota in the summer and how it will have impacted the current squad.
Caoimhin Kelleher admitted he finds the scrutiny around Liverpool’s results ‘strange and difficult’ in a season following the death of Diogo Jota.
The Reds were crowned Premier League champions last campaign in Arne Slot’s maiden campaign as head coach. However, Liverpool were dealt a tragic incident that left the players and supporters heartbroken.
Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car accident just days before the Reds were due to return for pre-season training.
Liverpool are sixth in the Premier League, with their title defence over by December. It has led to Slot and members of the squad facing criticism.
Kelleher left Anfield in the summer transfer window to join Brentford in a deal worth up to £18 million. The goalkeeper was very close friends with Jota and attended his wedding to childhood sweetheart Rute Cardoso just 11 days before his passing.
Kelleher confessed that being away from Liverpool has made it easier to process Jota’s death - and feels that Liverpool should not be judged on their usual expectations because of the tragedy.
Speaking to The Independent, Kelleher said: “Listen, from an individual aspect, for me to leave and play first-team football was obviously right, never mind the tragedy that happened. I stay in touch with some of the guys there, I have a lot of good friends there. It’s a very difficult time for them, a difficult season, with circumstances that people probably aren’t taking into account too much. But it’s probably been a bit easier for me, being away from it, and not being in such close proximity to it every day.
“I find it a bit strange and a bit difficult when I hear people speaking about the players at Liverpool and the performances, because I don’t think this season is even important from a football aspect for them to be honest. It’s more about them personally and mentally.
“Obviously, football is a massive sport and people have an opinion, which is natural. People expect you to move on quite quickly, and I don’t think that’s the case.”
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