Guinean midfielder Naby Keita joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig for a high fee, but despite high expectations, he was unable to challenge Jordan Henderson and the rest of the core group. He left Anfield at the end of last season when his contract expired.
During his time at Liverpool, he suffered injuries season after season and often came off the bench due to frequent injuries. He only received consistent playing time in the season before last but failed to secure a starting spot. The former RB Leipzig midfielder, who wanted regular place, signed a contract with Werder Bremen this summer.
Reflecting on his days at Anfield, the midfielder revealed a past in which the team’s coach, Jurgen Klopp, helped him and expressed his gratitude to the German conductor.
“He is a very good coach and a really good person. Whenever I was injured, he took care of me. He kept telling me, ‘You are strong’. That helped me.”
“Even though things didn’t go so well for me at Liverpool because of my injuries, I’m very grateful to him.”
SportBILD
Considered one of the best midfielders in Europe back in when he played in the Bundesliga, Keita has good memories in Germany. A fresh start and a return to a league with a good reputation could be the kick-start he needs to resurface his career.
Keita will have many bitter memories at Liverpool, but will he perform in Bremen in a way that reminds him of his time at RB Leipzig…?