[ad_1]
Jurgen Klopp said he is "happy" with Naby Keita's progress – but admits that Liverpool can "expect a lot more" from the midfielder.
Keita has struggled to have a consistent impact this season after his much-announced move of 52.75 million pounds from RB Leipzig last summer.
The Guinean international has been impressed by several pbades, especially in the 4-0 win against West Ham United at the opening day of the Premier League season.
Keita, however, struggled to find a permanent spot in a highly contested midfielder, sometimes playing on the left, where he failed to stand out.
Nevertheless, the 23-year-old has started Liverpool's last two games, but he was again under par despite his favorite central role in the 1-1 draw against Leicester City at Anfield on Wednesday.
That means his place is now threatened for Monday's return leg to West Ham with Fabinho waiting for a reminder and Jordan Henderson able to get back in the middle of the field after the right back has been suspended, James Milner.
"I'm happy so far, but there is still a lot to come," said Klopp about Keita's progress.
"Naby is an exceptional player but he still needs to improve: minutes, games, language, etc.
Video not available
Click to play
Press to play
Play now
"Everything will be fine and until now, but we can really expect a lot more, that's how it is."
Henderson is expected to make his 300th appearance in the Premier League at London Stadium.
The skipper of Liverpool has polarized opinion throughout his career at Anfield, but for Klopp, there is no doubt about its value.
"All I say, I can not change (the perception of it)," adds Klopp. "People say what they say and write what they write.
"Look at the number of games that Hendo has played since I came in. I do not think there is any doubt about my opinion of Hendo.
"From my point of view, it was a very good solution for the right-back position (against Leicester). He was not really used to it, but it was clear that the most important thing was the defensive side.
"We were expecting them to be really active because of Chilwell, he did a very good job and in general, he does a very good job, not only on the field, but also in the field, I am happy. "
Liverpool, leader of the Premier League, extended their advantage on the second, Manchester City, to five points in the middle of the week. The failure in the face of the shock of the 2-1 defeat against Newcastle United 24 hours earlier left Anfield disappointed.
But Klopp wants his players do not linger on a missed opportunity to strengthen their grip on the podium.
"We talked about it in December," he said. "Every game seems to be the biggest of the season, the only difference is that we all won, and it's really hard!
"You need two things. a little luck and the right decisions of the referee. Against Leicester, it was clear that we were a little unlucky with two decisions. We do not blame it or moan, it's a fact.
"The reality was: can we draw 1-1 against Leicester? Yes, that's the reality. And other teams can lose and draw, too, but I saw that we had tried everything to win.
Video not available
Click to play
Press to play
Play now
"Did I feel brilliant after the match? Did I feel really good the next day? Yes, I was always healthy and with my boys, we are young enough to reach everything.
"The sun was shining, everything was fine so let's go again and again, and do not think about the last game or where we lost points.
"If the other teams did not lose points, we would not be first in the table, that's the nature of the game." You should do your best as often as possible. "
West Ham beat Arsenal earlier this month after losing their first four games of the season in the Premier League.
(Image: PAUL ELLIS / AFP / Getty Images)
Successive defeats at Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers, coupled with a shocking FA Cup knockout at AFC Wimbledon, added pressure on Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini.
Klopp, however, admits that Londoners are a much more difficult proposition than in August.
"We started the season against West Ham with a brilliant game from us and not a very good game from West Ham," he said. "That day, they had a new manager and a lot of new players.
Stay up-to-date with all the latest news from Liverpool and set up the West Ham game here
"They had a very bad start, but since then they are almost in the top six. This is what we should expect, not to compare with the first game of the season.
"We were expecting a tough game that day, but it was not that difficult for two reasons, we were really good and they were not ready." They are ready and it is a completely different cup of tea. "
Source link
