Rio Ferdinand has been discussing Liverpool’s shortcomings, and in doing so offered an insight into his former Manchester United teammate Roy Keane.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have had an extremely difficult month, and have only won a single game this year – the FA Cup third round replay 1-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle.
In the last week, they have been knocked-out of the two cup competitions and look sapped of the spark that saw them steamroll teams earlier in the season.
There have been numerous theories on Liverpool’s struggles.
Sadio Mane’s absence due to the African Cup of Nations, Daniel Sturridge’s woes in front of goal, and Klopp’s high pressing tactics having an adverse effect on the energy levels of the players, have all been cited.
However, Ferdinand has another theory.
The former Manchester United defender claims that Liverpool lack leaders, and revealed how Roy Keane would help his team through tough spells in the season.
Ferdinand said the advice was basic, but helped the successful United team retain focus. He also said Liverpool “need to start investing in winners.”
“I learnt invaluable lessons at United from players who knew about winning titles,” Ferdinand writes in his column for The Sunday Times.
“I’d listen to the likes of Roy Keane talking. He’d say little things like: ‘Listen, we don’t lose over Christmas’. Or towards the end of January: ‘OK, this is the flat now, we can see the finish line, let’s go.’
“Such words seem basic but when you are in the midst of a gruelling race for the title they help focus you.
“I’m looking round that Liverpool squad asking, who’s doing that? Who has those golden nuggets to share? They have a lot of youth and vibrant talents but they need a few hard-nosed players who can say: ‘This is how you do it.’
“They need to start investing in winners.”
Catch up with this week’s episode of 888sport Football Friday Live
