Roy Keane has fired a stern warning to Liverpool, hinting they could become the subject of ridicule if they fail to secure the Premier League title this season.
The Reds opened up an 11-point gap at the top following a commanding win over Manchester City on Sunday, while closest challengers Arsenal slipped up against West Ham the day before, dealing a major blow to their title hopes.
What Did Roy Keane Say?
Even with a game in hand, Arsenal now find themselves significantly behind Arne Slot’s Liverpool, who have just 11 matches left to play. The Reds are edging closer to their first Premier League title in five years, which would also cap off a remarkable debut season for manager Slot.
However, Keane, speaking to Sky Sports, has warned Liverpool to stay sharp and not let their focus slip:
“It’s more exciting for the neutral when it’s a bit tight but when you’re in the dressing room and you’re that much clear it’s fantastic. You go 11 (clear) and a little bit later you want to be further ahead.
“The manager knows, the opposition will know, but you still have to kick on. You are reminding people about being complacent and being on your toes.
“You’d have good squad members and obviously the manager would do it, the senior players would do it to make sure you don’t slack off in training.
“You look at some of the fixtures and you’re playing Southampton at home, but you treat Southampton like you’re playing Real Madrid; you treat teams with respect. If they keep carrying on doing what they’re doing.
“Liverpool don’t have to do anything extraordinary, just do what you’re doing, be efficient. Two goals a game is a big one, it’s a simple message saying if you get them, which you have been doing all season anyway, you are guaranteed to win the league.”
Slot Knows the Challenge
Slot knows his team needs to stay focused and recognises the possible challenges that could hinder Liverpool’s title push. The Dutchman said:
“In every other league, I think a lead like this would be very comfortable.
“Except for this one because in this league every single game gives you a lot of challenges, even Plymouth Argyle gave us a lot of challenges. If you play away at the Etihad, if you win there it is always a big win, no matter what the league table looks like.
“The fans can sing whatever they want, I think they’ve sung it for quite long already, but we know as a team how hard we have to work for every single win.
“It was only three days ago, somebody asked me if we’d had a dip on Wednesday. I don’t believe that as well as I am calm now about this win.”
Liverpool return to Anfield on Wednesday night for a mid-week Premier League fixture against Newcastle United. Their title rivals Arsenal, meanwhile, will go to City Ground on the same night to take on Nottingham Forest.
