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Jurgen Klopp insists he retains faith in Naby Keita despite lack of Liverpool gametime
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists he still believes in midfielder Naby Keita despite the fact he has yet to consistently show his best form in a red shirt.
Keita is now into his second Anfield season and yet to establish himself in the side but, as per , Klopp has effusively praised the midfielder.
He : “Naby had injuries, the team is in really good shape, so then do you change? It’s not like we won all the games 4-0, 5-0, so we had to bring on a player who helps us defending set-pieces. Naby is sitting outside thinking, ‘why don’t I play?’ I get all that.
“So we stayed in contact, we talked and we spoke a lot about it. A player needs this evidence the manager still believes in you. I was never in doubt about that. It was just unlucky and you need luck always. He started really well then got injured. Again we had two really good seasons. [I was] never in doubt about his quality.”
TBR’s View – Keita can add creativity Liverpool have missed at times
Liverpool’s midfield is sensationally disciplined but has lacked a slight bit of guile at certain times, and that’s where Keita comes in.
Klopp would no doubt like Keita to be further ahead in his evolution but there’s not much he can do about the fact he’s been injured and other midfielders have been exceptional.
When you win every week, it’s tough for a manager to change a victorious formula, but the festive period – and the squad rotation it necessitates – represents the perfect opportunity for Keita to show what he can do.