Former Liverpool hero Didi Hamann has laid into Manchester United legend Roy Keane, calling his recent remarks “completely exaggerated”.
The Reds find themselves in one of their toughest periods under Jurgen Klopp, losing their last three Premier League games in a row.
It has seen Liverpool not only well and truly out of the title race, but also in sixth place and in danger of missing out on a top-four finish.
Keane has recently been vocal about Klopp’s men, describing them as “bad champions”, but in an interview with Spox [via Sport Witness], Hamann defended his former team:
Keane’s criticism is completely exaggerated. The problems can be explained. Not only is Van Dijk missing, but Joel Matip and Joe Gomez are also.
If the entire central defence isn’t there, even Liverpool can’t do anything. Thiago should pull the strings, but he still seems like a foreign body to me.
Then there is the short break, the hassle of games. Freshness, dominance and impact are missing. In their heyday, the stole the air from opponents to breathe.
Right now, they have to work very hard for every win, but I’m not really concerned about Liverpool. Klopp has achieved great things. The foundation for lasting success is in place.
Read Liverpool Verdict
Hamann is spot on in his assessment, with Liverpool’s woes not as bad as some are making out.
Of course, criticism is merited for their bad run, but so much has gone against the champions this season that it has become impossible to maintain their previous level.
Klopp has a freak injury situation to tackle at the back – to have Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all out for the season is incredible misfortune – but once key men are available again, Liverpool will flourish.
