Liverpool-bound Naby Keita backed to rediscover form with RB Leipzig

Published on: 08 February 2018

Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol slams Jurgen Klopp's continued use of Dejan Lovren. Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol slams Jurgen Klopp's continued use of Dejan Lovren.

Naby Keita is feeling the "pressure" following his loss of form, RB Leipzig head coach Ralph Hasenhuttl has told Sport Bild.

Keita, who will join Liverpool on July 1, has found it difficult to replicate his form of last season but Hasenhuttl says the 22-year-old will get all the help he needs to get back on track. 

His woes are perfectly illustrated by his three red cards in 39 days in the first half of the season, two for Leipzig and one for Guinea on international duty.

"The lad always wants to put in top performances. But he's a sensitive guy, and feels the pressure," Hasenhuttl said. "Naby's not as consistent as last year. It's important he gets his expectations back to a normal level.

"We help him with that -- through talks and with videos in which we show him where is strengths are."

Naby Keita has scored only three Bundesliga goals this season.

Sources had told ESPN FC that Liverpool were looking to bring forward Keita's move in January following Philippe Coutinho's departure to Barcelona.

However, RB Leipzig went on to release a statement saying Keita would not leave in the winter window.

"I must not fear any player's departure. That's the wrong approach. We must not be completely dependent on one player," Hasenhuttl added.

"That he can make the difference even on a weaker day, we're aware of that. But the situation is like it is, and we must cope with it."

Glenn is ESPN FC's Liverpool correspondent. You can follow him on Twitter: @GlennPrice94.

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Source: espn.co.uk

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