Liverpool player who ‘wanted to quit’ when Arne Slot arrived given unexpected first-team chance

One Liverpool player who reportedly wanted to leave the club after the arrival of new manager Arne Slot could be set for an unexpected start on Saturday.

Slot joined the Merseyside club in June, replacing legendary manager Jurgen Klopp who left the club after nearly nine years at the helm.

The Dutchman appears to have made an instant impact at Liverpool, winning four of his first five games with his new club.

But despite the success, one Liverpool player recently admitted that he wanted to leave the club and yet, it looks likely that he may be handed his first start of the season this weekend.

Ahead of Liverpool’s match againt Bournemouth at Anfield on Saturday, Slot confirmed that goalkeeper Alisson Becker had suffered a shock injury potentially ruling him out of the match.

“Alisson is still a doubt if he can train today, so let’s wait if he can train,” Slot told reporters.

“If he can’t, he probably won’t play as well.

“He has a slight issue with one of his muscles, and we wonder if this game is coming too early or not.”

Should the Brazilian miss out on the match, it is likely that Caoimhin Kelleher will start in goal despite the Irishman expressing a desire to leave Liverpool in the wake of the signing of Georgian keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia.

Speaking in a press conference while playing for the Republic of Ireland during the recent international break, Kelleher said: “I made it clear in the last few years that I want to go somewhere and be a number one. The club has made that decision to get a goalkeeper (Mamardashvili) which makes it look like they’ve made a decision to go another direction.

Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to make his first start for Liverpool this season on Saturday. (Image: Getty)

“Liverpool have 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 & I want to go and play week in, week out.”

Kelleher has made 47 appearances for Liverpool and been a crucial part of their campaigns in domestic cups.

And yet, Slot appears to be comfortable with him leaving the club, as ahead of the Nottingham Forest match he said: “Kelleher said he wants to leave? I would be worried if a player came out and said he loved it on the bench and wants to stay there for the rest of his life!”