Kelleher Anticipates “Electric Atmosphere” in First Anfield Champions League Match with Fans

Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher, has expressed his enthusiasm for participating in a significant Champions League match at Anfield on Tuesday, marking his first appearance in the competition at the stadium with spectators present. The 25-year-old’s sole previous home start in the tournament occurred in December 2020 against Ajax, during a period when games were held without fans due to the Covid-19 pandemic. During a press conference held to preview the upcoming Tuesday match against German champions Bayer Leverkusen, the Republic of Ireland international stated: “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.” He further added: “It will be a special moment and one I’m looking forward to for sure.” Arne Slot’s team currently leads the Premier League by two points after 10 matches. Furthermore, they are one of only two clubs, alongside Aston Villa, to have secured maximum points from their initial three fixtures in the Champions League league stage. When questioned about the Reds’ preparedness to contend for both trophies this season, Kelleher – who is presently serving as goalkeeper in place of the injured Alisson – responded: “We came close last year and just fell off in the Premier League towards the end. Those experiences are big for us.” He continued: “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.” Kelleher concluded by stating: “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.”