Liverpool CL winner fumes at star central to tactical flaw which is costing Klopp
Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has claimed that Naby Keita needs to do more work off the ball – and that his lack of it is costing the Reds.
The Guinea international has endured a tough spell at Liverpool since joining in 2018. While he has shown flashes of his talent, injuries have largely kept his progress at bay.
That has not changed this season. He may have scored two fantastic volleys, but he still does not form a crucial part of manager Jurgen Klopp’s plans.
The second of those volleys came on Tuesday, as Keita put Liverpool 2-0 up against Atletico Madrid.
However, he only lasted 45 minutes and came off in place of Fabinho at half time. Indeed, Klopp wanted stability after Keita struggled to keep the likes of Joao Felix and Thomas Lemar at bay.
Hamann took to Twitter to claim that “Keita was at fault for both goals”.
In a separate tweet, he added: “[Jordan] Henderson has been a brilliant leader since taking the captaincy and [James] Milner is 35 giving everything he possesses week in week out.
“Keita only wants to play when they’re in possession and cost €75m.
“Hugely disappointing considering it’s his 4th season. Simply not good enough.”
Liverpool have earned a reputation for their work off the ball. Indeed, Gary Neville pointed towards the Reds as he recently pointed out Manchester United’s failures out of possession.
But the point still stands that Keita has not truly delivered the then-club-record fee it cost Liverpool to sign him from RB Leipzig.
It remains unclear whether the 26-year-old will start Sunday’s Premier League clash against United. Curtis Jones is regaining fitness, as is Thiago Alcantara.
Klopp, Liverpool in Simeone controversy
Another flash point from Tuesday’s Champions League clash was the interaction – or lack of – between Klopp and Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone.
Simeone refused to shake his counterpart’s hand after the full-time whistle, instead running down the tunnel.
Klopp did not look best pleased initially, but insisted he was not angry at the situation and admitted fault for his own reaction.
Simeone, meanwhile, said that he “doesn’t like” shaking hands after matches because it is not “healthy”.
After the match, pundits blasted the Atletico boss for his decision to run down the tunnel.
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