“We had discussions,” Jurgen Klopp acknowledges having recently spoken with the 25-year-old about leaving Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp, the manager of Liverpool, has acknowledged that he spoke with Caoimhin Kelleher over his potential departure from the team.

Kelleher is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming weeks as regular starter Alisson Becker is expected to miss some time due to injury.

The Irishman, who has lagged behind Alisson since emerging from the academy in 2019, is finally getting his time. There had been rumors that Kelleher might quit the Reds in the summer due to his lack of playing time.

Speaking to the media about the 25-year-old yesterday, Klopp also acknowledged that some “discussions” had been had on that prospect.

When questioned if Caoimhin was prepared for his opportunity, the manager responded, “He is a focused person in general.” “You won’t see him celebrating the clean sheet [against LASK on Thursday] in a bar tonight.” Thus, it is not an issue. Caoimhin wants it right now and is ready for it.

“We had discussions about it in the summer obviously. But as long as we don’t have a solution we cannot loan players. He’s home grown, all these kinds of things. The first responsibility is to do the best for Liverpool and we have to see how we can sort it. Now for him it’s a situation he didn’t want to have but, obviously, somehow yes, because you want opportunities, you want to play. Now he will get a few games, definitely, and yes, I trust him.”

Kelleher prepared to take the field.

Had Kelleher departed to be a number one elsewhere in the summer, you wouldn’t find many Liverpool fans begrudging him of it.

The Ireland international earned the opportunity to start since he has been an excellent No. 2 for Alisson.

Kelleher is 25 years old and should be playing frequently. Since Ali isn’t going anywhere, most fans would be glad to see Caoimh leave and succeed at another team.

All of that being said, Liverpool ought to be grateful that Kelleher stayed put.

He isn’t a perfect ‘keeper and has looked a little rusty in the early parts of this season. But against LASK on Thursday, he really showed what he’s all about. For a handful of games, the Reds can cope without Alisson.

This little run should also be enough to determine where Kelleher’s future may lie. If he steps in and performs well, it will really show that he can do a job for a Premier League side. That could lead to a sale next summer.

Should the academy graduate come in and look shaky or uncertain though, then maybe it will seal his future as a No.2.

Both scenarios may be no bad thing for Liverpool in the long-run. However, for this little patch of games, it would be helpful if Kelleher can do his best impression of Alisson. We’re all counting on you, Caoimh!