"It's clear Alisson is number one" – Arne Slot responds to Caoimhin Kelleher's complaint over Liverpool playing time

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has asserted that he is not worried about Caoimhin Kelleher's recent outburst over playing time, stating that Alisson Becker will remain the club's first-choice goalkeeper.

Earlier this week, Kelleher opened up on his desire to secure a permanent transfer away from the Anfield outfit. He said (h/t X/@DaveOCKOP):

"I made it clear in the last few years that I want to go somewhere and be a number one. The club made that decision to get [Giorgi Mamardashvili] which makes it look like they've made a decision to go another direction. They rejected a few bids as well. It's not always in my hands to fully make the decision. My ambition is clear. I'm good enough and I want to go and play week in, week out."

Ahead of Liverpool's Premier League home clash against Nottingham Forest on Saturday (September 14), Slot was asked to share his thoughts on Kelleher's recent remarks. He replied (h/t Liverpool Echo):

"I would be worried if a player said they didn't want to play first-team football and wanted to stay on the bench for life. It's normal but it's also normal that a club like this, that competes for trophies, has more than 11 who can play."

Slot, who has handed Alisson Becker three starts so far, concluded:

"So, it is about helping team when they have to and Caoimh has shown many times that he is ready when we need him. It's a good thing he wants to play. It's clear Alisson is number one but it's a normal situation to be in and he has handled it really well."

Kelleher, 25, is yet to make an appearance this season and has a contract until June 2026 at the Reds. He has kept 15 clean sheets and conceded 59 goals in 47 games across competitions for his club so far.

Liverpool target slapped with high price tag

According to Football Insider, Brentford have decided to set a price tag of £40 million on star forward Bryan Mbeumo with the player's contract set to expire in June 2026. Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa are all keen to sign the left-footed Cameroonian ace in the future.

Mbeumo, 25, has arguably established himself as Brentford's best player since arriving from ESTAC Troyes for £6 million in 2019. He has registered 53 goals and 42 assists in 203 overall outings for his team.

Should Mbeumo seal a move to Arne Slot's side, he could prove to be a fantastic signing for them. He would initially act as a backup to Mohamed Salah before replacing the 32-year-old as a starter in the future.