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Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane is well known for his uncompromising style and outspoken expert opinions, and has had a lot to say about Liverpool this season.
The Reds are at the top of the Premier League table heading into Christmas as they try to retain their title.
After 14 games, they have only lost once, the 7-2 win at Aston Villa, and are four points behind their closest rival, Leicester City.
Jurgen Klopp’s men have also secured a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Here, we take a look at what the fiery Irishman Keane has said about Liverpool so far this season …
Klopp Row
Klopp responded to Keane after he said Liverpool had been “sloppy” during their 3-1 win over Arsenal.
When asked what he liked about the Reds’ display, Klopp told Sky Sports: “Everything! Did Mr. Keane say we had a sloppy performance tonight?”
Keane chimed in and clarified: “I think they gave up a chance or two, but they would be disappointed.”
Klopp added: “Can you say it was a sloppy performance tonight? I’m not sure I heard it right, but maybe I was talking about another game as it can’t be this game. Sorry, it’s an amazing description of this game .
“This was absolutely exceptional. Nothing was sloppy, absolutely nothing. From the first second we were dominant against a fit team, 100 percent fit. For this game, there is nothing bad to say.”
Keane replied: “I said there were sloppy moments, but I said your team was outstanding. I haven’t been giving the club anything but praise, so I’m not sure they heard me correctly there.”
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Klopp said: “I heard the word ‘sloppy’, that’s all, so I figured you must have seen the wrong game.”
To which Keane replied, “You have to see the rest.”
After the interview ended, Keane said, “Very sensitive, isn’t it? Imagine if they lost!”
Here’s what Keane had to say about the performance: “It was a good night for Liverpool. There was never any question. I know they had a chance or two in the second half, but Liverpool were by far the best team.”
“We will probably give Arsenal a bit of credit for the fact that they stayed in the game. But overall, Liverpool certainly deserved the win.
“It was a good night of work for Liverpool, who were by far the best team. There were one or two scares, but they deserved the victory. They are like a machine and one of the fittest teams. They like to suffocate teams. It is never easy to score goals, but tonight they managed three, four against Leeds, he got a bit sloppy at the rear, but it’s done.
“Arsenal are always a threat in the future, but their problems have always been behind. The first goal is soft and would have given Arsenal a lot of encouragement.”
‘Is screaming’
Keane criticized Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson in England’s League of Nations victory over Belgium.
Gareth Southgate’s men came back to win 2-1 at Wembley.
Marcus Rashford equalized from the penalty spot after Henderson was judged to have been fouled in a corner.
However, Keane felt it was a tough decision and was not impressed by Henderson’s role in the incident.
“I don’t think it’s a penalty,” he told ITV.
“He barely touched it. How can a player scream when he is tapped on the shoulder?
“Is screaming. You don’t need to yell. “
Good problem
Keane has also commented on Liverpool’s abundance of offensive talent this season.
The arrival of Diogo Jota from the Wolves has provided fierce competition for positions at the front.
Jota’s explosive start to his Reds career put pressure on Roberto Firmino in particular.
“I think it’s a big problem for a coach when it comes to attacking players,” Keane told Sky Sports in early November.
“Firmino is going through a difficult period, but when you ask his teammates, they probably appreciate him more than the media and the fans.
“Remember that he has been a major part of your success for the past few years.
“I never thought he was never really a natural goalscorer, scoring 20-25 goals per season. Obviously, you still need to contribute when he’s your main forward.
“Would Klopp be looking to put everyone on the team?”
Strong mentality
Keane admitted Liverpool would need to stop this season after their 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
The Reds were left without a number of key players due to injury, but struggled to reach a hard-earned point against last season’s runners-up.
“What I enjoyed the most about Liverpool today, as well as their qualities that we know they have and the one or two injuries they have, I always look at the teams that have won the league, they have that mentality, the body language, the desire,” he said. Keane to Sky Sports.
“I see a lot of that in this Liverpool team and I still think it will take a lot to stop this team.
“I know they are not at their best, they are getting results. But Jurgen Klopp, in his interview, is delighted and thinking that they have still appeared here today, with their problems and an injury or two. Trent (Alexander-Arnold) is injured, (James) Milner enters.
“That’s what it’s about winning championships, having setbacks, having disappointments but showing a really strong mentality and I saw that today.”
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Watch manager
When asked if he would have preferred to play for Klopp’s Liverpool or Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, Keane replied: “I spent more time looking at the two coaches, they talked about the tactical changes, but all their demeanor, yelling, which means for both. managers. They are world-class managers who have won great awards.
“I probably wouldn’t want to play for either of them because that would mean I would have to play for Liverpool or Manchester City.
“The two managers, they talk about teams that reflect their managers, and both teams did well today with their hunger and desire, which we saw from managers.”
Title race
Keane believes that Man United may be able to challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title this term.
United are third in the table and five points behind the Reds with one game less.
Speaking after their 6-2 beating of Leeds United, Keane told Sky Sports: “I think in the last few months they have been heavily criticized, particularly for the home record.
“I have been quite critical of the four behind, the goalkeeper, questioning where this team is going, but the name of this game shows that people are wrong.
“Maybe, just maybe, this group of players can do that.
“They’ve been winning games, and that’s all you can do. United is in a great position considering how slow they were off the blocks. If United can get their house in order at home, there’s no reason United can’t. can you stay there.
“I think Liverpool are still the best, but there is no reason why United should think about their chances of pushing Liverpool.
“Manchester United were excellent (against Leeds). What Leeds gave United was space. We always thought Leeds were there to take it.”
“It’s a huge boost for United. Liverpool are still the strongest, but United could be the best of the rest.”
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