JURGEN KLOPP BACKED Naby Keita, saying the midfielder would develop into a “massive player” for the Premier League club now that he is back fit.
Keita, 23, joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in July, but has made just six starts since his arrival, in part because of injury struggles.
The Guinea international has yet to register a goal or an assist with the club as he has suffered through back and hamstring issues this season.
Klopp appeared to say Keita had made an average start to life at Anfield last week, but the German clarified his comments on Tuesday, saying he was referring to the player’s setback with a hamstring.
“He is an outstanding player,” Klopp said told a news conference ahead of a crunch meeting with Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. “I don’t read English press but this week I caught a headline of something I said, which I did not mean it like that.
“Naby was not average since he came in. The situation after he got injured was average because he has to get fit again, but the start was brilliant.
“He will be a massive player in the future for Liverpool and he is already.
He is now really fit, he looks sharp in training, but as it is at a club like ours sometimes you have to wait a bit longer for the moment.
“And when you get the moment, then you have to be ready. That’s how it is.
“He is an outstanding player and we are happy to have him.”
Liverpool are second in Group C, level on points with Napoli and one ahead of PSG, ahead of Wednesday’s clash at the Parc des Princes.
All four teams in the group are still in with a chance at the round of 16, with group bottom dwellers Red Star having picked up four points, including a stunning win over Liverpool and draw against Napoli.
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Great servant
Super player. Really underappreciated when he was at his best…. o how we could do with a 30 year old donacha now!!!
Brilliant player in his day. Was a match winner in many a game. Happy retirement
Yes great player and has been great for Cork. Can’t believe he and Kerrigan are still on the panel. Today’s result another embarrassment
@Ger Buckley: He never let the jersey down unlike many 15 years younger who are disgraceful
@Tim Brennan: disgraceful??? I’m not disagreeing that the result was bad but what will abusing the player’s get us?? Might make you feel better alright!!
Donnacha you are an absolute gentleman enjoyed refereeing you and enjoyed watching you as a fellow Duhallow man I want to thank you for all you have done for cork, Duhallow and Ballydesmond. A true great of the game of gaelic football. Best wishes o. Your retirement from the Intercounty game.
Can’t fault him really, the footballers coming through have either no bottle or simply are just not good enough so he’s better off to bow out with his name in tact. There’s surely 15 better footballers in the county than those put out today. Useless would be the understatement of the century
Legends like him deserve to go out on better terms. What a footballer.
Thanks for the memories.