Richard Keys has pointed out 'a key Alex Ferguson trait' in a ruthless criticism of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp
Richard Keys has attacked Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, claiming he believes the German will leave Anfield this summer rather than oversee the rebuild.
Liverpool, 10th after their opening 20 games, have had a miserable season so far and are eyeing the very real prospect of 2023-24 without European football.
Liverpool are expected to be title contenders again after finishing runners-up with 92 points last season, losing out to Manchester City by one point, but injuries and a number of players in poor form have meant they have fallen behind in the table, leading to calls for Major reconstruction during summer.
As for Keys, he does not believe Klopp is ready to commit to rebuilding and predicts that the Reds boss "will leave".
"There's only one winner when a coach falls out with the press - and it's not the coach,' Keys said in a savage post on his website.
"My guess is Klopp will walk. Not now - but if they're knocked out of the CL (Champions League) by Real Madrid I think he'll be gone before the start of next season. Liverpool are way off. A shadow of what they once were - and it's no good blaming FSG (Fenway Sports Group). The downfall is Klopp's responsibility.
"He didn't start the re-build soon enough. That was one of Fergie's greatest strengths - that he would rip apart successful teams. What were Liverpool thinking keeping Milner, Henderson and Firminho? Thiago [sic] is past his best - not that I was ever a fan. He was the wrong player at the wrong club at the wrong time.
"He slows Liverpool down. In fact, the entire midfield is too old or not good enough. Robertson is past his best. Whoever is in charge next season has a massive job on his hands. Do we believe Klopp is up for it? I don't."
Klopp has transformed Liverpool since taking over in 2015. He became the first Liverpool manager to win all competitive trophies for the Reds.
Klopp also led Liverpool to two Champions League finals, losing both times to Real Madrid.
The Reds will face the Los Blancos club once again in the round of 16 of the European elite competition coming up in two weeks time.