Richard Keys – The Empire of The Kop https://www.empireofthekop.com Blog about Liverpool F.C. (LFC) and the Kop from true supporters for supporters worldwide. Fri, 19 Apr 2024 10:49:59 +0100 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.9 95610221 (Video) Transfer update; Richard Keys provides Mo Salah to Saudi Arabia update https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/15/keys-provides-salah-saudi-update/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/15/keys-provides-salah-saudi-update/#comments Mon, 15 Apr 2024 15:50:36 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=253025 Mo Salah’s possible departure to Saudi Arabia filled the column inches towards the end of the summer and now there’s another update on his future. Speaking on beIN Sports, Richard Keys said: “The feeling is that Mo Salah might not, after all, be on his way to Saudi Arabia – that’s all we can tell you.” […]

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Mo Salah’s possible departure to Saudi Arabia filled the column inches towards the end of the summer and now there’s another update on his future.

Speaking on beIN Sports, Richard Keys said: “The feeling is that Mo Salah might not, after all, be on his way to Saudi Arabia – that’s all we can tell you.”

READ MORE: (Images) Klopp, Van Dijk and other Liverpool representatives pay respects on Hillsborough anniversary

It seems then that we can be confident our Egyptian King will remain at Anfield for another year past this summer, which will be great news for many.

It’s a shame that the same can’t be said for Jurgen Klopp but we have many of his key players who will remain after he leaves Merseyside.

You can watch Keys’ comments on Salah via @beINSPORTS_EN on X:

🚨 EOTK Insider with Jan Age Fjortoft: Why Alonso said no to LFC, who will replace Klopp now? The PL winners will be…

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(Video) Richard Keys and Andy Gray disagree over Liverpool’s title hopes after damaging defeat https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/14/keys-gray-disagree-liverpool-title-hopes/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/14/keys-gray-disagree-liverpool-title-hopes/#comments Sun, 14 Apr 2024 16:52:54 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=252995 Richard Keys and Andy Gray had differing opinions as to whether or not Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes are sunk after their defeat to Crystal Palace today. A hugely damaging week has seen the Reds drop five points in two top-flight matches and go down 0-3 to Atalanta in the Europa League quarter-finals, all but […]

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Richard Keys and Andy Gray had differing opinions as to whether or not Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes are sunk after their defeat to Crystal Palace today.

A hugely damaging week has seen the Reds drop five points in two top-flight matches and go down 0-3 to Atalanta in the Europa League quarter-finals, all but ending their hopes of winning that competition.

Speaking on beIN SPORTS moments after the final whistle at Anfield this afternoon as he noticed the desolate faces on the LFC players, Keys said: “And then there were two. They know.

“It very much depends on what Arsenal do against Aston Villa shortly, but right now you’d have to draw the conclusion that that marks the end of Liverpool’s title chase.”

Gray agreed that the Reds are now outsiders in the titler race but refused to rule them out entirely, replying: “Not quite. It makes them third favourites. They’re still in it. Did anyone expect this today? There are plenty of games left, Richard, but of the three now, they look the least likely.”

We’re with the former Everton striker on this one – the last two league results have been hugely damaging for Liverpool’s title hopes, but they’re still only two points behind Manchester City, who began the day top of the table.

With six matches still to play, it’s far from implausible that Jurgen Klopp’s side could fight back to lift the trophy in five week’s time, but they certainly can’t afford too many more days like this one, where they wasted so many chances against Palace and ended up regretting it.

Down but not out – we keep fighting!

You can view the post-match reaction from Keys and Gray below, via @beINSPORTS_EN on X:

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(Video) Richard Keys stunned by what he saw Liverpool player doing to Klopp on 60 minutes last night https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/05/richard-keys-salah-klopp-substitution/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/05/richard-keys-salah-klopp-substitution/#comments Fri, 05 Apr 2024 13:41:21 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=252505 Richard Keys appeared to voice disapproval over Mo Salah’s reaction to being substituted in Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Sheffield United on Thursday night. The Reds’ number 11 was withdrawn in the 60th minute of the match with the teams level at 1-1, a bold call by Jurgen Klopp given the need for a victory to […]

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Richard Keys appeared to voice disapproval over Mo Salah’s reaction to being substituted in Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Sheffield United on Thursday night.

The Reds’ number 11 was withdrawn in the 60th minute of the match with the teams level at 1-1, a bold call by Jurgen Klopp given the need for a victory to keep the Premier League title race in our hands, but one which was vindicated by the final score.

As the Egyptian made his way off the pitch, he was seen shaking his head in bewilderment before the briefest acknowledgement of his manager’s extended arm, with the 31-year-old’s disappointment clear for all to see.

Reviewing the exchange during beIN SPORTS‘ match coverage, Keys said: “Watch this…shake of the head. No, no, no. Wasn’t friendly, was it?”

While it can be a bad look for players to react petulantly to being substituted, Salah’s response last night didn’t really fall into that category.

We’d be more worried if his face upon being taken off was one of relief rather than annoyance, as he must’ve felt that he could’ve plundered a match-winning moment had he remained on the pitch.

His joyous reaction to Alexis Mac Allister’s wonder goal made it clear that his personal disappointment was swiftly eclipsed by delight for his teammates.

You can view Key’s reaction to Salah being substituted below, via @beINSPORTS_EN on X:

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Ex-Sky presenter claims to have Alonso ‘information’ which could have Liverpool fans rejoicing https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/03/25/richard-keys-information-alonso-liverpool-manager/ Mon, 25 Mar 2024 14:19:29 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=251996 Richard Keys has claimed to have heard ‘information’ that Xabi Alonso has ‘decided’ on his next club amid ongoing links with the Liverpool manager’s job. The Bayer Leverkusen boss has been a leading contender to take over from Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, despite claims from some reporters that Michael Edwards could spring a ‘surprise’ with […]

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Richard Keys has claimed to have heard ‘information’ that Xabi Alonso has ‘decided’ on his next club amid ongoing links with the Liverpool manager’s job.

The Bayer Leverkusen boss has been a leading contender to take over from Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, despite claims from some reporters that Michael Edwards could spring a ‘surprise’ with the eventual appointment.

However, writing in his eponymous blog, the former Sky Sports presenter declared that the 42-year-old has made up his mind and wants to succeed the German, with Bayern Munich also vying for his services.

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Segueing from discussing Gareth Southgate’s recent links with Manchester United, Keys stated: “I was laughed out of court at the back end of last year when I said they should go and get Alonso – agree a deal with his ‘people’ and guarantee him five years to get it right. 

“My critics said ‘No. What’s he done? It’s too soon’. Really? Well 3 months on it’s not too soon for Liverpool to have got him to agree to become their next manager.

“As I always say when I share news like this – these big deals can always go wrong. There’s a lot to go wrong when they’re blue riband, whether it’s a player or coach/manager involved, but my information is that Alonso has decided on Liverpool. If I’m a Liverpool fan – that excites me.”

READ MORE: Salah could be overtaken as Liverpool’s best-paid player as Edwards pushes for big in-house coup

READ MORE: Kyle Walker blown away by Liverpool player’s improvement after critics ‘come at him’

Amid the quantity (and indeed variety) of reports regarding Alonso’s future, it remains a guessing game as to how likely it is that he’ll be Liverpool’s next manager. For instance, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has recently said that the Spaniard is more likely to take the Bayern job than the Anfield one.

However, if Keys’ ‘information’ is indeed accurate, and the 42-year-old has opted for a return to Merseyside, that news could have Reds fans rejoicing.

We’re sure you’re well aware by now of the former midfielder’s incredible exploits at Leverkusen, and the ultimate irony is that he could potentially sign off from the club by leading them to Europa League glory at his future employers’ expense, should the two sides meet in the final in a few weeks’ time.

It could take another while yet for definitive clarity on Alonso’s next move – indeed, that’s if he leaves the BayArena at all this year – but we remain positive that the lure of coming back to the club where he won his first Champions League crown will be too difficult to resist.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards and a multi-club model, Alonso’s Liverpool-esque moment and much more!

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Richard Keys says Liverpool could suffer further harm if one man isn’t put in his place https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/03/11/keys-liverpool-need-one-man-to-be-challenged/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/03/11/keys-liverpool-need-one-man-to-be-challenged/#comments Mon, 11 Mar 2024 15:44:25 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=251263 Michael Oliver could cost more clubs, including Liverpool potentially, if VAR officials fail to assert their authority over the referee. Richard Keys shared the warning in question on X (formerly Twitter) after the Reds appeared to have missed out on a legitimate penalty claim. Jeremy Doku did strike the ball first, though his boot was […]

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Michael Oliver could cost more clubs, including Liverpool potentially, if VAR officials fail to assert their authority over the referee.

Richard Keys shared the warning in question on X (formerly Twitter) after the Reds appeared to have missed out on a legitimate penalty claim.

Jeremy Doku did strike the ball first, though his boot was raised in a dangerously high position and struck Alexis Mac Allister on the chest.

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READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano shares who he’s heard Liverpool are now actively scouting ahead of the summer

READ MORE: Liverpool ‘now really close’ to finalising exciting deal ahead of summer, says Fabrizio Romano

Should Liverpool have a penalty?

If you’re asking us here at Empire of the Kop, the result of Doku’s apparent infraction should have been a penalty kick for Liverpool.

Oliver, however, felt that the player had got the ball first (which was correct) and that was that. VAR was simply not prepared to advise a second look at the incident on the monitor.

MIchael Oliver attracted criticism for his refereeing performance – (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

We can take little solace in the fact that Dermot Gallagher has since asserted he would have awarded a penalty in the Englishman’s place.

At the very least, it has far from killed our chances of securing a second league title under Jurgen Klopp.

There’s plenty left of time left this season for us to get back in the lead and put in one almighty push for league glory.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards’ future, Liverpool contract latest, Musiala to Anfield and much more!

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(Video) ‘It shouldn’t happen’ – Keys and Gray do their best to create controversy after late Nunez winner https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/03/03/richard-keys-andy-gray-liverpool-winner/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/03/03/richard-keys-andy-gray-liverpool-winner/#comments Sun, 03 Mar 2024 07:40:26 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=250708 Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to four points with a 99th minute winner against Nottingham Forest yesterday. The game was about to finish goalless until substitute Darwin Nunez latched onto the end of the Alexis Mac Allister’s cross to head in the winner and spark wild scenes amongst travelling […]

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Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to four points with a 99th minute winner against Nottingham Forest yesterday.

The game was about to finish goalless until substitute Darwin Nunez latched onto the end of the Alexis Mac Allister’s cross to head in the winner and spark wild scenes amongst travelling Kopites at the City Ground.

Forest’s backroom staff rushed onto the pitch following the game to confront referee Paul Tierney and complain about what had happened moments before our No.9’s goal.

Callum Hudson-Odoi had possession of the ball near to Liverpool’s box but Ibou Konate was down in the area clutching his head after being clattered by Ryan Yates during a corner kick moments earlier.

READ MORE: ‘This win is up there’ – Klopp compares Liverpool’s dramatic victory to famous Reds win from 2019

Tierney therefore blew the whistle, which is standard procedure for a head injury, but handed possession back to Caoimhin Kelleher, rather than the hosts, at the restart.

It’s worth mentioning that the referee followed the same process earlier in the game when a Forest player also went down with a knock to the head while Liverpool had possession of the ball.

Richard Keys and Andy Gray love to create a bit of controversy however, especially when Jurgen Klopp’s side is involved!

Check the pair speaking below via @beINSPORTS_EN on X:

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(Video) ‘I can’t think of one’ – Richard Keys pins blame for Arsenal defeat on Jurgen Klopp https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/02/04/richard-keys-jurgen-klopp-admission/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/02/04/richard-keys-jurgen-klopp-admission/#comments Sun, 04 Feb 2024 20:20:15 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=249126 Richard Keys believes the lack of intensity in Liverpool’s performance this afternoon was a result of Jurgen Klopp’s announcement that he’s leaving the club at the end of the season. The Reds never got going at the Emirates and suffered their second defeat of the season as the Gunners recorded a 3-1 victory. Liverpool have […]

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Richard Keys believes the lack of intensity in Liverpool’s performance this afternoon was a result of Jurgen Klopp’s announcement that he’s leaving the club at the end of the season.

The Reds never got going at the Emirates and suffered their second defeat of the season as the Gunners recorded a 3-1 victory.

Liverpool have played twice since news broke last Friday regarding the German tactician’s impending departure and the Anfield-based outfit won both of those games.

READ MORE: ‘Been saying it all season’ – John Aldridge highlights one Liverpool downfall which was costly v Arsenal

That makes Keys’ comments look rather bizarre but Klopp’s men were well beaten in the capital today and are now just two points clear at the top of the Premier League.

The presenter claimed he ‘can’t think of one Liverpool player’ who had a ‘good game’ while Jason McAteer, who was working alongside Keys for beIN Sports, claimed Alexis Mac Allister played well but struggled to name anyone else.

This had nothing to do with Klopp’s decision to leave at the end of the current campaign. We just simply weren’t good enough and didn’t deserve to take anything from the game with some individual errors costing us.

We go again next weekend when Burnley visit Anfield.

Check Keys and McAteeer speaking below via @beINSPORTS_EN on X:

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‘How far have they fallen?’ – Liverpool fans will agree with Richard Keys for once following Man Utd draw https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/12/18/liverpool-fans-richard-keys-admission/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/12/18/liverpool-fans-richard-keys-admission/#comments Mon, 18 Dec 2023 21:45:04 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=246496 Richard Keys often likes to criticise and highlight Liverpool’s failures but the presenter has sided with the Reds for once following yesterday’s goalless draw with Manchester United at Anfield. Some, including Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk, have criticised Erik Ten Hag’s for the extremely defensive approach they adopted for their latest trip to Merseyside with […]

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Richard Keys often likes to criticise and highlight Liverpool’s failures but the presenter has sided with the Reds for once following yesterday’s goalless draw with Manchester United at Anfield.

Some, including Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk, have criticised Erik Ten Hag’s for the extremely defensive approach they adopted for their latest trip to Merseyside with the Red Devils spending most of the game with 11 men behind the ball and seemingly happy to settle for a point.

Jurgen Klopp’s side amassed 35 shots compared to United’s seven during the game and dominated possession and Keys has claimed the visitors ‘put on a show that Crystal Palace would’ve been proud of’.

Keys wrote on his website (via Rousing The Kop): “The game was poor. Liverpool weren’t at it, but I’m with Van Dijk. Only one team tried to win the game and they would’ve done so had they been a bit sharper and a bit more clinical.

“United put on a show that Crystal Palace would’ve been proud of. How far have they fallen when leaving Anfield with a goalless draw is defended by Ten Hag apologists as a triumph?”

READ MORE: Liverpool fans will struggle to disagree with pundit’s latest comments about ‘erratic’ player

Keys has hit the nail on the head here.

We’re more than aware that United aren’t in the greatest of form at the moment and the pressure could very well be piled on Ten Hag if things continue as they are but their approach was similar to what newly promoted sides adopt when visiting the so called big six away from home.

United fans won’t mind too much as they’ll claim the game plan worked and they frustrated Klopp and Co. but what a grim watch it was for the neutral and for the supporters of the home side.

We need to be more clinical at the top end of the pitch if we’re going to continue to fight on all four fronts this term but what a pleasant surprise to see Keys backing Liverpool for once.

📖 Anfield Annals: John Smith – Liverpool’s Red Knight and Most Successful Chairman

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Richard Keys says one Manchester United man doesn’t want to play Liverpool at Anfield https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/12/11/keys-man-united-liverpool-anfield/ Mon, 11 Dec 2023 15:42:21 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=246126 Liverpool fans will be hoping that we can replicate last season’s seven-goal heroics against Manchester United and this fear of repeating their embarrassment may put one player off coming altogether. Taking to X, Richard Keys posted: ‘For the avoidance of doubt I’ll say it again. Fernandes knew he’d miss the Anfield game if he got a […]

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Liverpool fans will be hoping that we can replicate last season’s seven-goal heroics against Manchester United and this fear of repeating their embarrassment may put one player off coming altogether.

Taking to X, Richard Keys posted: ‘For the avoidance of doubt I’ll say it again. Fernandes knew he’d miss the Anfield game if he got a yellow. He didn’t want to play in it.

‘0-3 down & he has a tantrum. Captain? 😂. Leader? 😂. Others should be calling him out on it.’

READ MORE: (Video) Milner recalls Klopp x-rated put-down after half-time bust up between pair

The incident against Bournemouth showcased the petulance of Erik ten Hag’s captain and he’ll now miss the match at Anfield this weekend.

To suggest that the Portuguese midfielder deliberately got himself booked so that he could miss out on the scene of last year’s public shaming, certainly calls into question his professionalism.

However, when we’re all used to seeing him waving his arms around and complaining in every single game – you can’t really put it past him.

READ MORE: Freddie Ljungberg compares Liverpool’s dribble king to Lionel Messi; huge praise

The 29-year-old is suspended and will miss the meeting and nobody will know, other than himself, if this was a deliberate ploy.

One thing that is for sure though, is that we can all enjoy laughing at the Old Trafford club for now and hopefully even more so in the coming week and beyond.

You can view Keys’ comments on Bruno Fernandes via @richardajkeys on X:

📖 Anfield Annals: Matt McQueen the Anfield All-Rounder who did everything in 36 years as a Red

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‘If Klopp quit…’ – Richard Keys says 42-y/o manager is ‘ready’ for Premier League switch https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/12/05/richards-keys-manager-pl-admission/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/12/05/richards-keys-manager-pl-admission/#comments Tue, 05 Dec 2023 19:50:11 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=245804 Richard Keys has claimed that one manager in particular is ‘ready’ to make the switch to the Premier League and believes the 42-year-old has the ability to take the reigns at the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United. Supporters of the Merseyside-based outfit will be hoping that Jurgen Klopp remains in the Anfield hot seat […]

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Richard Keys has claimed that one manager in particular is ‘ready’ to make the switch to the Premier League and believes the 42-year-old has the ability to take the reigns at the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United.

Supporters of the Merseyside-based outfit will be hoping that Jurgen Klopp remains in the Anfield hot seat long into the future but the time will eventually come where a successor for the German tactician is required.

Keys believes Xabi Alonso would be the ideal replacement for the former Borussia Dortmund boss while also claiming that Manchester United should offer the Spaniard ‘Saudi league money’ to replace the struggling Erik Ten Hag.

Keys wrote on his website (via The Boot Room): “I’d go and get Xabi Alonso. I’d offer him Saudi league money and guarantee him five years in charge.

“He’s about the only way Manchester Unitd will ever re-join the elite group and he’d give them a chance of attracting big names to the club again – not ageing mis-fits and babies.

“I floated this theory on air this past weekend and had a hard time selling it. ‘He’s not ready’ I was told. Really?

“Let me ask this – if Klopp quit at the end of the season who would Liverpool want to appoint? Exactly. Alonso. Of course he’s ready.”

READ MORE: Ian Wright cannot believe ‘ridiculous’ decision that was made during Liverpool’s epic victory over Fulham

Alonso is loving life in charge of Bayer Leverkusen with the German outfit currently three points clear at the top of the Bundesliga and already through to the knockout stages of the Europa League having won all five of their group games so far.

Leverkusen are the second highest scorers in the German top flight and will fancy their chances of ending Bayern’s period of supremacy.

Our former midfielder is loving life in the dugout and in the years to come he could be on the shortlist for any of his former clubs, including ourselves, Bayern and Real Madrid.

Klopp is under contract at L4 until the summer of 2026 but there have been reports floating around in recent weeks suggesting the Reds want to offer the German a fourth Reds deal.

Alonso is likely to be linked with a number of big clubs who are on the hunt for a new manager in the weeks and months to come – the former Spain international certainly won’t rush into a decision as he continues to develop as a manager at Leverkusen.

🤩 EOTK FPL Gameweek 14 Review 🤩: HOLD Trippier? The long-term view, Zinchenko’s time to shine? Eject your Villans?

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(Video) ‘By some distance’ – Richard Keys sends strong message to Premier League referees after VAR fiasco https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/10/03/richard-keys-pl-officials-admission/ Tue, 03 Oct 2023 20:30:09 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=242410 Richard Keys has claimed the current group of Premier League officials are the ‘worst group’ the English top flight has ever seen. The beIN SPORTS presenter, speaking before tonight’s Champions League action, is speaking out after Liverpool were embarrassingly denied an opening goal against Spurs on Saturday after VAR failed to overrule an offside call […]

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Richard Keys has claimed the current group of Premier League officials are the ‘worst group’ the English top flight has ever seen.

The beIN SPORTS presenter, speaking before tonight’s Champions League action, is speaking out after Liverpool were embarrassingly denied an opening goal against Spurs on Saturday after VAR failed to overrule an offside call on Luis Diaz despite the Colombian clearly being onside.

READ MORE: (Video) ‘We all make mistakes’ – Paul Merson weighs in on VAR fiasco involving Liverpool

The 66-year-old was also joined by former Everton striker Andy Gray who claimed that VAR technology is not the problem but instead blamed the people operating it.

Keys demanded that mistakes of this magnitude cannot be allowed to happen again in what was a seriously strong message from the presenter.

Check him and Gray speaking below via X:

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Richard Keys offers potential suggestion to improve VAR and backs Liverpool over statement https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/10/03/richard-keys-var-suggestion-liverpool/ Tue, 03 Oct 2023 15:30:49 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=242390 Richard Keys has used his blog to offer a suggestion as to how the operation of VAR can be improved in the Premier League, following the controversy which cost Liverpool a result against Tottenham on Saturday. The PGMOL subsequently acknowledged that Luis Diaz’s goal in the Reds’ 2-1 defeat was wrongly disallowed and fulfilled the […]

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Richard Keys has used his blog to offer a suggestion as to how the operation of VAR can be improved in the Premier League, following the controversy which cost Liverpool a result against Tottenham on Saturday.

The PGMOL subsequently acknowledged that Luis Diaz’s goal in the Reds’ 2-1 defeat was wrongly disallowed and fulfilled the Merseyside club’s request to hear the audio of the discussion between the officials to explain why it was chalked off.

Furthermore, Darren England and Dan Cook, who were on VAR duty in north London three days ago, are notably absent from the Premier League’s list of refereeing appointments for next weekend’s fixtures.

READ MORE: Possible Schmadtke successor: Liverpool now free to swoop for director they’d wanted this year

READ MORE: Ex-England defender misconstrues Liverpool statement and insists it’s time to get over VAR farce

On his eponymous blog, Keys called for former top-flight referees to be assigned to Stockley Park rather than present day officials, believing that the qualifications of those in the former category are going to waste.

He wrote: “Refs should be allowed to concentrate on getting better at what they do on the field and junk VAR responsibilities.

“I’ve said this before – VAR should be staffed by people like Chris Foy, Mark Halsey, Peter Walton – [ex-refs] who know the laws and can be trained to understand the skill of watching the game on TV as a pro. We need full-time specialist VAR operators.

“Right now people like Foy and Walton are being sent out every Monday to make excuses for a catalogue of errors committed previous weekend. What a waste of time.

“Surely it would be better to divert funds into constructively trying to make things better – not paying people to trot out well rehearsed excuses for poor match-day performances?”

Keys also sided with Liverpool over the statement released by the club in the wake of Saturday’s VAR shambles, saying: “We’re talking about the richest league in the world here. How costly will Saturday’s meltdown ultimately prove to be for everybody? Especially Liverpool, who have every right to express their frustration.”

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The former Sky Sports presenter may well have a valid point in calling for previous Premier League officials to be utilised in the VAR booth, rather than referees currently working in the division.

The likes of Foy and Halsey would still have the requisite knowledge of the sport’s rules and an understanding of how to apply them, leaving the Englands of the top flight to concentrate solely on their on-field duties.

Keys’ point about VAR training is also pertinent, and officials in Stockley Park should be reminded by PGMOL chief Howard Webb that they’re there to do a job objectively, not to fabricate decisions to protect the reputations of their peers.

There’s plenty of expertise which can be drawn upon from retired referees, and it should certainly be considered as an option at the very least.

A generation gap should also help to ensure that there’s little to no pre-existing relationship between former and current Premier League officials, which in turn will likely make it easier for objective decisions to be reached.

Keys appears to have offered some food for thought with his suggestion.

🎙 #Ep92 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: VAR disaster at Tottenham, what next for the Reds, Liverpool Women impress AND MORE!

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‘The real deal…’ – Richard Keys has already changed his tune on Liverpool since pre-season https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/09/26/richard-keys-liverpool-real-deal/ Tue, 26 Sep 2023 07:28:46 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=241847 Seven weeks is all it’s taken Richard Keys to drastically reassess his verdict on Liverpool’s Premier League title credentials. In the days leading up to the start of the campaign, the former Sky Sports presenter wrote on his eponymous blog that he didn’t think the Reds had ‘a challenge in them’ and would sorely ‘miss’ […]

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Seven weeks is all it’s taken Richard Keys to drastically reassess his verdict on Liverpool’s Premier League title credentials.

In the days leading up to the start of the campaign, the former Sky Sports presenter wrote on his eponymous blog that he didn’t think the Reds had ‘a challenge in them’ and would sorely ‘miss’ Jordan Henderson and James Milner.

While those two were tremendous servants at Anfield, their replacements Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have both hit the ground running and breathed new life into LFC’s midfield, fuelling an excellent opening few weeks in which we’ve claimed 16 points from a possible 18.

In his latest blog, Keys has since changed his tune on Liverpool, and he even compared them favourably to the troubled start that Manchester United have had to their season.

The 66-year-old wrote: “Liverpool look like the real deal again. Klopp’s rebuild has been a resounding success and from a position where last season’s table told us they were way behind United, they’re now back on their perch – way ahead of them, proving that you don’t always need time – you simply need to know what you’re doing.”

READ MORE: ‘Every time…’ – Mo Salah’s greatness summed up by former teammate who faced him recently

READ MORE: £70m+ per year: Liverpool closing in on clinching major behind-the-scenes deal – report

When looking at the first six games of the season prior to the campaign getting underway, it would’ve taken the more optimistic of Liverpool fans to predict that we’d have only dropped two points by this stage, having beaten three of last term’s top seven.

Most of those results haven’t come the easy way, with the Reds frequently needing to come from behind to emerge victorious, but it speaks to the renewed confidence and belief of the team that they’re recovering from losing positions.

The additions of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai in particular have galvanised the entire squad, while the previously much-maligned Curtis Jones and Darwin Nunez have both been magnificent in the early weeks of the season, not to mention the ever-reliable brilliance of Mo Salah.

Liverpool have a set of tricky fixtures on the horizon, travelling to two of the current top four in Tottenham and Brighton over the next fortnight. If we can emerge from those games still within touching distance of Manchester City at the summit, talk of a prolonged title challenge could certainly gather legs.

It’s still too early to declare that the Reds will definitely be in the running by the business end of the campaign, but it’s indicative of how well they’ve started that they’re already causing some pundits to reassess their initial predictions from only a few short weeks ago.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Liverpool’s challenge before January transfer window, mentality monsters back? Reds player ‘hung out to dry’ and much more!

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Richard Keys makes Van Dijk claim which is at odds with what was seen in pre-season https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/08/08/richard-keys-van-dijk-quiet-selfish/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/08/08/richard-keys-van-dijk-quiet-selfish/#comments Tue, 08 Aug 2023 13:58:14 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=239183 Richard Keys has made a rather bizarre claim about Virgil van Dijk ahead of the new Premier League season. The former Sky Sports host was previewing the upcoming top-flight campaign in his eponymous blog when he addressed some concerns he had regarding the newly-appointed Liverpool captain. Keys wrote: “I don’t think Liverpool have got a challenge […]

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Richard Keys has made a rather bizarre claim about Virgil van Dijk ahead of the new Premier League season.

The former Sky Sports host was previewing the upcoming top-flight campaign in his eponymous blog when he addressed some concerns he had regarding the newly-appointed Liverpool captain.

Keys wrote: “I don’t think Liverpool have got a challenge in them either. The re-build was necessary, but I don’t see leaders in the team anymore.

“Van Dijk isn’t a leader. He’s too quiet – and selfish. If he plays well that’s all that seems to matter to him. And he didn’t play well often enough last season. I thought he was way off.”

READ MORE: (Video) Gary Neville claims Liverpool and FSG have been surprised by four transfer pursuits

READ MORE: (Video) Gary Neville thinks FSG could live to regret not landing £100m ace for Liverpool

Having watched Van Dijk play for the Reds for the last five-and-a-half years, we find it hard to align with Keys’ criticisms of the 32-year-old.

The accusation of being ‘too quiet’ to be a leader on the pitch was refuted in pre-season, with the Liverpool Echo noting that the Dutchman was ‘bellowing instructions’ to teammates throughout the 4-4 draw against Greuther Furth a couple of weeks ago.

That was before he was confirmed as the new club captain, with the observation that he staked ‘a fair claim’ to replace Jordan Henderson as skipper proving prophetic.

We also disagree with Keys’ view that Van Dijk is a selfish player. By talking players through games, as he did during pre-season, he’s imparting valuable knowledge and advice to help them perform to their best for the collective good. That’s not the action of someone we’d define as self-centred.

The 32-year-old mightn’t have been at his world-class best for much of last season, but being given the captaincy could inspire him to rediscover the stratospheric standards he’d set previously. We’re more than happy to have him leading the team from the back at Anfield.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Lavia ‘complication’, Mo Salah to Saudi? Kane could do Liverpool transfer favour, Andre latest and much more!

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Richard Keys sarcastically claims Liverpool’s top four pursuit has suffered a ‘blow’ following latest Anfield exit https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/05/11/richard-keys-liverpool-admission-sarcasm/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/05/11/richard-keys-liverpool-admission-sarcasm/#comments Thu, 11 May 2023 14:40:17 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=234400 Richard Keys has sarcastically claimed that Liverpool have suffered a setback in their pursuit of a top four finish following the news of Thomas Gronnemark’s impending departure from the club. The throw-in coach, who has worked with Jurgen Klopp’s side for the last five years, will not have his contract renewed at the end of the […]

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Richard Keys has sarcastically claimed that Liverpool have suffered a setback in their pursuit of a top four finish following the news of Thomas Gronnemark’s impending departure from the club.

The throw-in coach, who has worked with Jurgen Klopp’s side for the last five years, will not have his contract renewed at the end of the season and the former Sky Sports presenter has now joked that Manchester United are favourites to secure a Champions League spot ahead of the Merseysiders.

“Oh no. What a blow at such a critical time of the season,” Keys wrote on his Twitter page when reacting to the news. “You’ve got to fancy United for 4th now.”

READ MORE: Liverpool are the ‘frontrunners’ to sign dynamic Serie A star; Gerrard and Crouch admitted they’re huge fans recently – report

READ MORE: Manuel Ugarte’s agent makes Liverpool admission and shares timeline for future to be ‘resolved’

Although some, including Keys, may underestimate the importance of the role that the 47-year-old undertakes at the club it’s clear that we’ve benefitted greatly from his expertise since his arrival on Merseyside in 2018.

We’ve picked up ever major trophy possible during his time with the Reds and he’s helped Klopp and Co. enormously in ensuring we’re as tactically sound as possible in this specific area.

The Dane worked for the club on a freelance basis and also undertakes a similar role with Ajax, MLS side Philadelphia Union and French Cup winners Toulouse.

He claimed he was ‘proud of being a part of taking LFC from 18th to 1st in the Premier League on throw-ins under pressure’ but our German tactician and his backroom staff agreed that it was time to move on from working with Gronnemark at the end of the season.

We’re currently one point behind fourth placed Manchester United at the moment but the Red Devils do have a game in hand.

Missing out on a top four finish for the first time since Klopp’s first season at the club would be a huge blow but we have three games remaining to try and avoid disappointment!

Check Keys’ tweet below via Twitter:

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