Murphy labels ex-Man United captain Keane’s Liverpool claim ‘completely irrelevant’
Liverpool have had the Premier League title wrapped up for some weeks now.
Arne Slot’s side exceeded every expectation placed upon them before a ball was kicked this season.
Many supporters would have accepted that simply qualifying for the Champions League would have been more than enough in their first season following Jurgen Klopp’s departure.
However, the Reds’ dominance means they have been confirmed as champions since late April. Virgil van Dijk and Co now prepare to lift the club’s second Premier League title when they take on Crystal Palace.
Liverpool are winless in their last three outings since winning the league, losing to Chelsea and Brighton, whilst drawing with Arsenal.
Keane comments mean nothing to Liverpool
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has defended his former side from recent criticism.
Manchester United legend Roy Keane said he has been “irritated” by Liverpool’s recent games and urged the Reds need to “show a bit of class”.
However, speaking to Liverpool.com (22 May), Murphy said the Premier League winners have earned the right to do what they want.
“The reality is, once you have won the league, it is impossible to play with the same intensity and meaning. You just can’t do that… You just switch off your levels a little bit.
“In terms of the selection, it is fair enough for Arne Slot to have a look at some of the lads who he might be unsure of, whether that is Jarell Quansah or Harvey Elliot. Why not have a look at them?
“He is doing the job that is best for the club. It is not about suiting other people or other teams. You have earned the right by winning the league early to do what you want.
The former England international continued: “There has been nothing else to pick on, and sometimes you have to just find something, but the reality is that what Slot has done this season and what the team has achieved is beyond all expectations.
“A little bit of criticism from Roy Keane or anyone else will be completely irrelevant to Arne Slot and Liverpool fans.”
Slot can use this time to prepare for next season
It would be fair to assume that title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City will improve during the summer, meaning it is less likely that Slot’s men will run away with the league again.
Liverpool’s squad is set to be shaken up in the summer too, with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s controversial exit already confirmed.
Forwards Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz also have rumours circulating with regards to their futures, with a potential Anfield departure on the cards for both.
These last few games have been an almost early pre-season for Liverpool. This gives the club more opportunities to prepare for next season.
In recent weeks, the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch have had well-deserved rests.
This is another luxury that could potentially benefit the Merseyside outfit going into next season as they prepare to defend the Premier League title.