'I wasn’t happy with Jurgen Klopp’s nickname for me – I had to leave Liverpool'

Caoimhin Kelleher

Caoimhin Kelleher already admitted that even being dubbed the 'world's best back-up goalkeeper' by Jurgen Klopp wasn't enough to keep him atLiverpool.

Despite making 67 appearances for the reigning league champions over seven years, the Irishman found himself playing second fiddle to Alisson Becker in his last three seasons at Anfield.

The 26-year-old was a dependable presence for both Klopp and Arne Slot, with notable performances in the UEFA Super Cup and EFL Cup finals, as well as impressive displays in the Premier League and Champions League.

A penalty-saving specialist, Kelleher holds the record for the most penalty shootout saves and penalty shootout victories (4) in Liverpool history.

However, despite his achievements, he didn't relish being second choice to the Brazilian, particularly after the arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili this past summer.

He left the Reds for Brentford in a deal potentially worth up to $24million (£18.5m), lured by the opportunity to be a first-choice keeper.

While Klopp, who gave Kelleher his professional debut at Anfield, was a big fan of the shot-stopper, the German's praise following his standout performance in the 2022 EFL Cup final victory against Chelsea wasn't enough to satisfy him.

Kelleher produced a string of crucial stops throughout the encounter before netting the winning spot-kick to secure silverware for Liverpool.

Following the final whistle, the former Reds manager remarked:

Klopp "Alisson Becker is the best goalie in the world for me.

"There are other good goalkeepers out there but this goalie is absolutely insane.

“But to be honest for me Caoimhin Kelleher is the best No. 2 goalie in the world as well. The game he played tonight was absolutely incredible.

“I can remember at least two incredible saves, and probably there were more.

"So he proved that the decision to line him up was absolutely right.

And then in a very spectacular penalty shootout he showed the whole range of his skill set. He finished one off with his really skilled feet. So top class."

Despite Klopp's glowing assessment, Kelleher confessed to talkSPORT that the tag doesn't sit well with him, stating:

Kelleher "It's not a title I want - I want to be playing week in, week out."

Kelleher claimed his maiden Premier League medal last term but revealed in a conversation after joining Brentford that he nearly departed Anfield the previous campaign.

Kelleher said: "The summer before I came close-ish to leaving,"

"Then throughout the whole season I was wanting to be a No.1 and obviously the next, and probably best time for me to move was going to be this summer.

“As it goes more towards the end of the season, you're thinking about the next year and the next season.

"It became apparent Brentford were interested in me - and I think once they registered their interest I was quite keen and things moved quite quickly then.

“It plays in the back of your mind the whole season. I wanted to be a No.1 and wanted to do that for this season.

"The last number of years, I was kind of more looking to get a move and to try being the No.1.

“So I don't think it was a big thing for me whether it was this season or not. But I think the time, with one year left, added up to be right and the club obviously needed to make a decision as well and needed to sell.

"I played a lot last season and a lot the season before as well so I think, for me, the natural progression - and one that I've obviously been looking at for a number of years - is to be a No 1.

“I want to be that No.1 and show people that I'm quite a good No 1, as well."

Kelleher received motivation to leave Liverpool from Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson who said he's far too talented not to be a number one goalkeeper.

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