Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher on one key Arne Slot decision that eased transition from Jurgen Klopp

Premier League giants Liverpool appointed Feyenoord manager Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp’s replacement during the summer.

Liverpool and Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has detailed one key decision by Arne Slot that allowed the club to transition smoothly from Jurgen Klopp’s successful reign.

The Reds have raced to the top of the Premier League table under their new manager, with six wins and a draw in their first seven games under the former Feyenoord chief.

He has quickly dispelled fears of a Jurgen Klopp hangover by producing result after result - and their Cork-born netminder Kelleher believes he knows why.

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Klopp brought the Premier League back to Anfield in 2020, while he also won the Champions League, FA Cup and two League Cups.

“Obviously there was a massive change for us, the manager leaving and a lot of the staff and coaches as well,” Kelleher told the official Liverpool website.

“But I think what was 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.”

Kelleher says he is enjoying his time so far under Slot. During the last international window he expressed a desire to leave and find regular first-team football - but he’s going to get that for the next six weeks or so as Alisson recovers from a fresh hamstring injury.

“Obviously you need to be open to that change 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 said.

“(Slot) 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.”

Liverpool are currently a point ahead of both Manchester City and Arsenal and Kelleher added: “Obviously the standard is crazy at the moment. 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.

“I think the quality right throughout the league is really good, and I think personally [it’s] the best league in the world.

“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.”

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