Caoimhin Kelleher speaks about Liverpool’s Premier League title challenge

Caoimhin Kelleher admits Liverpool are competing at a “crazy” level for the Premier League title as he reflects on the team’s continued momentum under new head coach Arne Slot.

Slot has made an impressive start to his tenure, winning nine of his first 10 games, leaving Liverpool a point clear at the top of the Premier League.

The Reds are also through to the last 16 of the League Cup and have won both of their opening Champions League fixtures.

Last season, Liverpool finished third behind champions Manchester City and runners-up Arsenal.

The trio are widely expected to be in the title race once again this year.

Kelleher, who is set to start in goal for an extended period with Alisson Becker sidelined for at least six weeks due to a hamstring tear, acknowledges that the team must maintain their strong start to keep up with last season’s top two.

“The standard is crazy at the moment,” said Caoimhin Kelleher.

“You have City and Arsenal who have shown in the last few seasons they are title contenders, and we’re trying to match them.

“But you look at the schedule and every game is a difficult game and that just shows the standard of the league. You can’t relax or take your foot off the pedal in any games because you won’t get the result you want.

“We need to be ambitious, we definitely have the quality within the squad to challenge for a title. It’s easy saying that – you need to obviously back it up.

“If we want to compete we need to be on a similar level to them (City and Arsenal) and keep these performances up and, most importantly, keep the results up.”

Kelleher is currently with the Republic of Ireland squad as they prepare for their UEFA Nations League clash against Greece on Sunday.

The 25-year-old has already made two appearances for Liverpool this season under manager Slot.

He believes that the Reds have gained an advantage by retaining most of the squad that played last season under Jurgen Klopp.

“There was a massive change for us, the manager leaving and a lot of the staff and coaches as well,” the shot-stopper said.

“But I think important for us and the squad of players was that there weren’t too many changes in the squad of players.

“We all know what it’s about, we came close to the league last year so there is that high motivation already to go that one step further.

“I think that makes it easier for the new manager coming in, that he inherits a squad full of quality.

“Like he has been saying, there’s a lot of quality within the squad and a lot of experience and motivation to go that one step further.”

Caoimhin Kelleher added: “You need to be open to that change (in the coaching staff) as well, it’s a fresh start for everyone and you’re trying to get off on a good foot and start the relationship well.

“He has come in and really tried to speak to all the players and get to know us all.

“As time goes on, that relationship will get better and better.

“He is really putting in an effort to get to know all the players, which is all you can ask.”

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