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Ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher believes the tragic death of Diogo Jota is still weighing heavily on the Reds. Liverpool strutted to the title under Arne Slot last season but they have struggled in their attempts to defend the trophy.

Liverpool sit sixth and currently 14 points behind current leaders Arsenal. Asked for the reasons behind that downturn, Kelleher believes that the impact of Jota’s passing is not being considered enough.

The forward sadly died in the summer in a devastating car crash alongside his brother Andre Silva. Speaking in an interview with The Independent, Kelleher said: “Listen, from an individual aspect, for me to leave and play first-team football was obviously right, never mind the tragedy that happened. I stay in touch with some of the guys there, I have a lot of good friends there.

"It’s a very difficult time for them, a difficult season, with circumstances that people probably aren’t taking into account too much. But it’s probably been a bit easier for me, being away from it, and not being in such close proximity to it every day.

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“I find it a bit strange and a bit difficult when I hear people speaking about the players at Liverpool and the performances, because I don’t think this season is even important from a football aspect for them to be honest. It’s more about them personally and mentally.

“Obviously, football is a massive sport and people have an opinion, which is natural. People expect you to move on quite quickly, and I don’t think that’s the case.”

Kelleher, 27, ended his association with Liverpool this summer as he moved to fellow Premier League side Brentford. He had spent the past six seasons among the Liverpool first team, making 67 appearances for the Reds.

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Liverpool boss Arne Slot was asked about the impact that Jota’s death would have on the squad earlier this season, and while he said it was impossible to get a true reflection, he claimed the club would be mourning the Portuguese forward for some time.

Speaking in November, he said: "It is good for us to remember him at all times. It is possible because of the person and player he was. It is impossible to measure what it does to the players and to our results. The last thing I would do is use it as an excuse.

"I don't know. What I do know is that we miss the player, that is 100% sure, and we miss the person, but I cannot measure the impact that has on our results. That is impossible for me to say, and we will never use it as an excuse."

Liverpool will be aiming to move back into the top four this weekend as they take on Pep Guardiola ’s Manchester City.

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