Naby Keita reveals how Jurgen Klopp reacted to his persistent injuries
Naby Keita has admitted that things 'didn't go so well' during his recently concluded five years at Liverpool, but remains full of praise for how manager Jurgen Klopp treated him.
Keita arrived at Anfield with big expectations from fans after a transfer in excess of £50m was arranged nearly a year in advance, especially having established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig.
But injuries took their toll and, in his final season, he managed only five starts in all competitions. Keita was let go by Liverpool at the end of the campaign, having played his last game for the club in as early as February because injury had curtailed his season.
Overall, Keita never enjoyed an injury-free season with Liverpool and never stared more than 16 Premier League games in any given campaign.
He has now agreed to join Werder Bremen on a free transfer.
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"Even though things didn't go so well for me in Liverpool because of my injuries, I'm very grateful to [Klopp]," the Guinea international told German publication BILD.
"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, never give up!' That helped me."
In need of a midfield rebuild, Liverpool have moved quickly to start recruiting in the centre of the pitch with the early capture of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton in a deal that could eventually rise to £55m with add-ons.
In addition to Keita moving on, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has also left the club, while James Milner has secured a free transfer to Brighton. There is even uncertainty over Thiago's future, with the veteran Spaniard the prime profile for a potential offer from Saudi Arabia.
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On this week's edition of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Toby Cudworth is joined by Graeme Bailey and Sean Walsh to discuss the latest transfer news. On the agenda is Arsenal's approach for Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice, the exodus of Chelsea players to Saudi Arabia, Moises Caicedo, Kyle Walker, Man Utd's goalkeeper plans & more!
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