Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has shared the reason he subbed off midfielder Naby Keita at half-time against Crystal Palace.
Speaking in his post-match press conference after the 0-0 draw yesterday, the German was asked why he decided to hook the Guinea midfielder off after the first 45 minutes – especially with his side needing a goal.
“Naby had an early yellow card and then two fouls,” said Klopp.
“Not really bad fouls, but two situations after that, which took him out of the game.
“He realised that from now on, no contact anymore. That was the reason.”
As per Rousing The Kop’s player match ratings, the Guinea international received a 5/10 for his performance.
A number of rash tackles forced the manager into an unnecessarily early substitution.
Klopp had to sub Keita off
Among those featuring for Liverpool in the middle of the park, Keita has been somewhat disappointing in recent weeks.
Just a couple of months ago, whenever the 28-year-old made an appearance, he looked like the lively counterpart in an overall poor midfield-three.
He seemed confident on the ball, always looking to either run at the opposition or play defence-splitting passes between the centre-backs.
However, in recent weeks, Keita has been underwhelming.
Yesterday against Palace, his substitution was completely unnecessary. After making a number of pointless tackles, Klopp was forced to hook him off after the first half.
With the Reds needing a goal, Liverpool were thus without their most creative midfielder – with Jordan Henderson and James Milner struggling to create any dangerous threats.
Having been hailed as ‘incredible’ by the manager, Keita could have contributed far more against the Eagles if he didn’t needlessly get booked so early on.
Either way, another poor performance from the Reds – not just from Keita.