Richard Keys sounds alarm over ‘much bigger issues’ plaguing Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp TEAMtalk

Richard Keys has warned that there are “much bigger issues” than poor form responsible for Liverpool’s slump in recent months.

Jurgen Klopp‘s side have only won twice in the Premier League since Christmas, a run that has seen them slip down the table.

What’s more, they have lost four in a row in the top flight and four in succession at Anfield.

As such, after sitting top on Christmas Day, the sixth-placed Reds now face a battle to stay in the top four; West Ham and Chelsea are pushing for Champions League qualification, while teams below them have games in hand.

Injuries have played a key part in Liverpool’s slump. Klopp has lost all three senior centre-halves, as well as chief back-up options Fabinho and Jordan Henderson.

According to Keys, though, there are other issues affecting the club. However, the pundit could not name what he thinks is causing the slump.

“I ended last week by asking ‘what’s wrong at Anfield?’ I said I didn’t like the smell. I’m ending the same way this week,” Keys wrote on his blog.

“Something isn’t right. What’s happening on the pitch is a reflection of much bigger issues behind the scenes.

“We’ll have to wait for developments it seems.”

Elsewhere in his blog, Keys addressed diving among Premier League players.

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has been in the spotlight, following his tirade at officials last weekend for not awarding the Red Devils a penalty against West Brom.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has also faced criticism. Keys, though, urged fans to enact a balanced view over the issue.

Salah diving criticism must be balanced

Salah.Liverpool.TEAMtalk

“When I nail United for doing it [diving], of course abuse from their fans – based on tribal lines – usually follows,” he wrote.

“And the very same people are immediately screaming about Salah and [Sadio] Mane. I agree with you.

“They’re both as bad. And I’m happy to throw Harry Kane’s name in there. He nicked one earlier in the season after making a back on the edge of the box and then falling into it. And Raheem Sterling is a serial offender.

“There are so many of them – Fernandes, Rashford and Maguire!

“And that’s the point – we can’t be screaming at Salah if Martial keeps doing it. Or vice-versa. Either we agree we want it stopped – and call it out when we see it – or there’s no point complaining when our own team is undone by it.”

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