If You Love Something, Set It Free
Some Liverpool fans have taken issue with Caoimhin Kelleher’s recent remarks arguing that his wish to move on shows a lack of loyalty. However, I believe it’s important to see things from his standpoint. Here we have a young goalkeeper who has consistently proven that he can hold his own at this level. Yet, he still finds himself overshadowed by one of the best in the world. Now at 25, Kelleher is entering what should be the peak of his career. Every match he sits out represents an opportunity for him to develop and showcase his true potential. Letting this man free (for a fee) feels like the right thing to do.
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Let’s not overlook his impressive performance last season when Alisson was sidelined. He played in games, made saves, kept three clean sheets, and conceded only ten goals. While those stats may not match Alisson’s, they are quite remarkable for someone who spends most of the season observing from the bench. Kelleher’s contributions kept us competitive during a crucial stretch and without him, the disparity in quality between goalkeepers could have had more significant consequences for us.
Misdirected Hostility
It is easy to assign blame when things don’t go perfectly. Some fans have suggested that the absence of Alisson in goal was the reason for our loss in the Premier League last season. However, I believe this view is unjust. Football is a sport and while the goalkeeper has a role to play the responsibility for losing the title shouldn’t rest solely on Kelleher’s shoulders. Numerous other factors were at play, such as injuries, inconsistent performances throughout the team, and possibly even tactical missteps that contributed to our shortcomings.
Singling out the backup keeper is a convenient way to shift blame but fails to capture the complete story. So what lies ahead for Kelleher? Ideally, we would love to retain him at the club for years to come. Having a backup of his caliber is a luxury that most teams cannot afford and his presence ensures that we remain resilient even when Alisson is unavailable. However, as much as we would dislike seeing him leave we must respect his aspirations. If Kelleher chooses to pursue football opportunities elsewhere it is not due to a lack of affection for the club but rather, a deep passion for the game itself. He understands that consistent play is essential for growth and improvement.
Setting Him Free But Not For Free
I think that if we let Kelleher go now it won’t be the end of his Liverpool journey. He has grown up with the club learned under Klopp’s mentorship and formed bonds with the fans. If he moves on and excels in another team there’s a good chance he could eventually come back—whether as a more seasoned goalkeeper or even in a coaching role. Letting him go doesn’t mean losing him forever. It’s simply giving him the chance to develop and who knows he might return even better.
Ultimately, football is about more than just loyalty to a club; it’s about players reaching their potential and making choices for their careers. We should wish Kelleher all the best if he decides to leave knowing that Liverpool will always hold a special place in his heart and that he will be welcomed back with open arms. For now, we must have faith, that Slot and the club will make the decision—whether it’s keeping Kelleher for another season or allowing him to explore new opportunities.
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No matter what happens, one thing is clear: Caoimhin Kelleher’s story is still unfolding and I am excited to witness the next chapter. Whether he stays with our team or joins another he has the potential for greatness. And if we part ways with him gracefully, who knows he might return to us someday proving that old adage true if you love something set it free. If it comes back it’s meant to be yours.
