Sunday, December 22, 2024

Kelleher excited to play in ‘electric atmosphere’ at Anfield

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[PA Media]

Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is excited by the prospect of playing in a big Champions League game at Anfield in front of fans for the first time on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old’s only previous home start in the competition was against Ajax in December 2020, at a time when matches were being played with no supporters in attendance because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking at a news conference to preview Tuesday’s fixture against German champions Bayer Leverkusen, the Republic of Ireland international said: “It will be quite cool. I’ve experienced quite a few nights of the Champions League. I didn’t play, but the atmosphere is always electric on European nights.

“It will be a special moment and one I’m looking forward to for sure.”

Arne Slot’s side are two points clear at the top of the Premier League after 10 games and, alongside Aston Villa, are one of just two teams to have taken maximum points from their first three games in the league stage of the Champions League.

Asked how well-equipped he feels the Reds are to challenge for both trophies this season, Kelleher – who is currently deputising in goal for the injured Alisson – added: “We came close last year and just fell off in the Premier League towards the end. Those experiences are big for us.

“We’ve kept mostly the same squad as last season so we have those experiences and it’s a bit more fire in the belly as well.

“The Champions League is one of the biggest competitions. We have always done well in this competition, so the motivation is there to do well in both.”

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