InterviewCaoimhin Kelleher on Toulouse trip, Europa League momentum and game time

At the halfway point of the competition’s group phase, the Reds enjoy an advantage at the top of Group E having won all three of their fixtures so far.

A 3-1 result at LASK was followed by Anfield victories over Union SG and Toulouse, and this afternoon they fly to France for the return meeting with the latter.

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Kelleher was between the posts for the matches against LASK and Toulouse and is relishing the prospect of further game time versus the Ligue 1 side on Thursday night.

Ahead of the trip, Liverpoolfc.com caught up with the goalkeeper to discuss the clash with Toulouse, the team’s mentality in the Europa League, his opportunities this term, and more…

On being back in Europa League action on Thursday night and Liverpool’s good momentum in the tournament…

Yeah, I think, like you say, we’ve got some good momentum. We had a big win the last time out and won our other two games as well, so we’re just looking to add to that and continue winning ways in the competition really. We have started well, so just looking to keep up that same momentum.

On the previous meeting with Toulouse and it being a good victory at Anfield…

It was a good victory. Obviously we scored a few goals but I thought Toulouse were quite a good outfit and caused us a few problems as well. So, it won’t be an easy game, especially away from home as well. I thought their fans were very good when they came to us so I’m expecting a good atmosphere there as well. I think it’ll be a tough game.

On the atmosphere and environment of going away in Europe presenting a different challenge…

Yeah, exactly. Our first game when we played LASK, the atmosphere there was quite good from their fans and I think I’ll be expecting the same again. Like you say, it’s kind of a different challenge and probably a harder one in terms of, you know, the fans can give their team a boost and some momentum, so I think it will be a tougher challenge than the last game.

On whether he enjoys facing that kind of atmosphere…

Personally, I enjoy it. Like you say, it’s a good challenge and it’s testing yourself in a tougher environment than maybe a home match. So, yeah, I enjoy the challenge and I’m looking forward to it.

On the knowledge that a victory would put the Reds through to the next stage…

Yeah, I think the main objective was always qualifying first from the group. So, I think if we can do that as early as we can, then we’ll be happy. We’re preparing for a win and we want to get the win.

On the team taking the competition seriously and aiming to go far as possible…

Exactly. Like we always do, our main aim is to win any competition we’re in. But we have to take that step by step and we’ve taken this competition very seriously from the start. So I think we’ll just look to continue it and hopefully wrap up qualification by the end of this game.

On rotation showing the depth of the squad and giving players chances for game time…

I think there’s a lot of strength in the squad and that shows when we play Thursday-Sunday – it’s a quick turnaround so there’s a lot of changes between the two games. So, there’s a lot of depth in the squad and I think also giving players the opportunity to play every week is also good for the team morale and for the squad, everyone’s getting their game time and everyone’s kind of contributing towards victories.

On his opportunities to play this season…

I’m obviously very happy that the manager has trusted me to start the games in this competition and also getting the League Cup games so far as well. It’s been good for me and obviously given me a good chunk of game time. So yeah, I’ve been happy to play in this competition and it’s obviously good opponents you’re playing against and you get good away days like this.

On being ready to feature whenever called upon…

Yeah, exactly. And I think obviously playing a bit more games as well is giving me that more match sharpness. So yeah, just trying to be ready as well for in case the worst happens. I’m just trying to be prepared for that and also be prepared for the games that I will be starting.

On how he is feeling about his own game currently…

I’m feeling good. Like I said, feeling that bit much more sharper than probably last season, getting a bit more game time and obviously that gives me a bit more confidence as well to go out and keep playing well. So, I’ve been happy and obviously just want to continue in that same vein of form.