Richard Keys suggests Jurgen Klopp was to blame for Kostas Tsimikas’ broken collarbone as Liverpool boss standing so close to the pitch is ‘dangerous’
- Kostas Tsimikas suffered a broken collarbone after a collision with Bukayo Saka
- The Greek defender upset Klopp in his technical area, which landed on his leg
- IAN LADYMAN: Mikel Arteta is criticized for his touchline behavior but Arsenal are a team that smacks of excellent coaching – It all starts
Richard Keys blames Jurgen Klopp for the broken collarbone suffered by Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas in Saturday night's 1-1 draw against Arsenal.
Bukayo Saka crashed into Tsimikas just in front of Klopp's technical area, where the Liverpool manager stood just inches from the touchline.
Klopp was rocked by the flying Tsimikas, which landed hard on his shoulder. The Reds boss appeared to land on the Greek's leg, but most of the damage was done to his upper body.
Keys, who has regularly railed against the antics of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, tweeted: 'It's ironic that it's Klopp – with Arteta in the other technical area – but that's exactly why a coach who's too close to the playing field state, is dangerous.'
Presenting BeIN Sports' coverage of the match, Keys added: “This is why coaches stand too close to the playing surface – and I've said it since we identified Arteta, and it's ironic that he is in the other technical area, as a serial offender – this is what can happen.
Liverpool's Kostas Tsimikas will be out for a 'long time' after suffering a broken collarbone
The incident in the 35th minute of the 1-1 draw happened when Bukayo Saka collided with him
Tsimikas also slammed his Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp during the Anfield incident
BeIN Sports presenter Richard Keys blamed Klopp for the injury, saying his proximity to the touchline is 'dangerous'
“He's in his technical area, but if coaches step outside of that and they get too close, that's always going to be a danger.”
Klopp confirmed after the match that left-back Tsimikas will be out 'for a long time' due to his collarbone problem and said the injury negated all the positives from the draw at Anfield.
Mohamed Salah earned Liverpool a point in the top-of-the-table clash after Gabriel headed the Gunners in front – and the outcome left the Reds just a point behind leaders Arsenal at Christmas.
The setback adds to Liverpool's problems as Andy Robertson is also currently out with a shoulder injury.
Klopp said he initially did not consider it a “real problem” because he felt no pain, before adding: “I would like to give my collarbone to Kostas so he can get fit again.”
Klopp landed on Tsimikas' leg after grounding out after his fight with Bukayo Saka
Liverpool certainly did not want another injury in the run-up to the overcrowded Christmas calendar
He added: 'I was completely fine. Of course, that's not cool if it's right in front of you and you're somewhat involved. I wasn't even sure if I fell for him or how it happened. And yes, these things shouldn't happen.'
The Reds will face a busy festive period without the Greek left-back, with a trip to Burnley on Boxing Day and Newcastle to Anfield on New Year's Day.
