Richard Keys Slams Arne Slot for 'Daft' Comment After Frankfurt Demolition

Richard Keys has slammed Arne Slot for what he called a 'daft' comment after Liverpool thrashed Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 in the Champions League.

Liverpool came from a goal down to end their four-game losing run in emphatic fashion in Germany.

Goals from Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate put the Reds 3-1 up at half-time, before Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai scored in the second period.

Mohamed Salah was dropped to the bench following a disappointing run of form, which Slot admitted was a difficult decision to make.

It meant Alexander Isak and Ekitike started together for the first time, but the Swede had to be withdrawn at half-time with a groin injury.

Despite losing their £125 million summer signing, Slot was simply relieved to see his side return to winning ways.

He said: "We needed a win.

"What we needed more was another performance where we create a lot of chances but the players get the reward with a win.

"That's what happened.

"I saw a lot of similarities compared to the other games because the first chance they got was a goal, maybe it was the only chance they had.

"And we went 3-1 up, and it's maybe easier to control a game when you're 3-1 up than if you are 1-0 or 2-1 down."

The Dutchman continued: "But the main difference between this game and the four before was that in most of them, the other team scored from a set piece and this time, we scored from two set-pieces.

"Then people focused more on the attacks we had in the second half rather than the misplaced passes, which we probably had as well.

"But when you're 3-1 up, you are judged differently."

Liverpool celebrate Ibrahima Konate's goal. Image: Gey

However former Sky Sports presenter Keys, who now works for beIN SPORTS, was critical of Slot's suggestion that Liverpool benefitted from the ball being on the floor.

On X, he wrote: "What a daft thing to say. Now everybody knows how to beat Liverpool - long balls. They don’t fancy a scrap."

After Liverpool's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, Slot claimed that his side found it difficult to cope with Ruben Amorim's side due to their use of a low block and long ball.

Given their next match is against Brentford in the Premier League, Liverpool will need to prepare for another aerial battle.

Keith Andrews' side are known for their threat from set pieces and Michael Kayode's long throw.

Still, Liverpool will take encouragement from their strong record against the Bees, having won their previous five meetings.