Former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher believes that results and performances on the pitch are no longer the primary concern for his former club this season, following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota — a loss that has left a profound emotional scar at Anfield.
The Portugal international winger died in a car accident last summer at the age of 28, sending shockwaves throughout the football world. At Liverpool, Jota was far more than just a key attacking option. He was a teammate, a friend, and a figure whose influence extended well beyond goals and assists.
During his time in a red shirt, Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances and played a decisive role in Liverpool’s FA Cup and Carabao Cup triumphs in 2022, before helping the club lift the Premier League title last season. His legacy, however, is now defined as much by who he was off the pitch as what he delivered on it.
A Difficult Season on the Pitch
From a purely footballing perspective, Liverpool are enduring a challenging campaign. They currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, trailing leaders Arsenal by 14 points — a significant gap by the club’s recent standards.
Yet Kelleher, now plying his trade at Brentford after leaving Liverpool in June 2025, insists that judging the season solely on league position or form misses the wider context surrounding the squad.
According to the Republic of Ireland international, the emotional weight of Jota’s death has reshaped priorities inside the club, making footballing outcomes secondary to the mental well-being of the players.
Mental and Emotional Strain
Speaking in an interview with The Independent, Kelleher explained that Liverpool’s current campaign should be viewed through a human lens rather than a competitive one.
“For them, this season is more about personal and mental things than anything else,” Kelleher said.
“Football is obviously a huge sport and everyone is entitled to their opinion. People expect things to move on quickly, but I don’t think it’s that simple.”
Kelleher admitted he finds it uncomfortable hearing criticism directed at Liverpool players given the circumstances.
“I find it quite strange and difficult when people talk about Liverpool players and performances, because in my opinion this season isn’t even about football for them,” he added.
His comments reflect a growing sentiment that the team is still navigating grief while attempting to function in an unforgiving elite sporting environment.
Alignment with Arne Slot’s Perspective
Kelleher’s words echo comments previously made by Liverpool head coach Arne Slot, who admitted in November that the squad deeply misses Jota — not just as a footballer, but as a person.
Slot spoke after left-back Andrew Robertson experienced an emotional moment following Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Robertson later revealed he had been emotionally drained, with thoughts of Jota weighing heavily on his mind ahead of a dramatic victory over Denmark.
The episode underlined just how deeply Jota’s absence continues to affect those who shared the dressing room with him.
A Personal Loss Beyond Football
For Kelleher, the tragedy was especially personal. The 27-year-old goalkeeper spent a decade at Liverpool after joining the academy in 2015 and made 67 senior appearances for the club. During that time, he formed a close bond with Jota.
When the devastating news broke, Kelleher posted on Instagram describing Jota as one of his closest friends in football — a sentiment that resonated with many inside the Liverpool community.
Despite now being away from Anfield, the pain has not disappeared.
“I still speak to some of the players there. A lot of my close friends are still at Liverpool,” Kelleher said.
“It’s an incredibly difficult time for them, a really tough season, with circumstances that maybe a lot of people don’t fully take into account.”
Distance Brings Perspective
Kelleher acknowledged that coping with Jota’s passing may have been slightly easier for him because he is no longer immersed in the daily environment at Liverpool.
“For me, it’s maybe a bit easier because I’ve stepped away and I’m not in that environment every day,” he explained.
Nevertheless, the emotional connection remains strong, and his empathy for his former teammates is clear.
From a professional standpoint, Kelleher also reflected on his decision to leave Liverpool in search of regular first-team football.
“On a personal level, leaving to play regularly was the right decision for me, regardless of the tragedy that happened,” he said.
Football Comes Second
As Liverpool attempt to navigate a season shaped by loss, Kelleher’s remarks serve as a reminder that footballers are human first, athletes second. The relentless demand for results often leaves little room for grief, yet the impact of Jota’s death continues to ripple through the squad.
In that context, league tables, points totals, and performances take on reduced significance. For Liverpool, this season is less about silverware or standings and more about healing, unity, and finding a way forward together.
Football, for now, is no longer the most important thing at Anfield.
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