Liverpool can forget about winning any big prizes... the Real Madrids will be laughing at them, says Roy Keane

  • Roy Keane slammed Liverpool's 'schoolboy defending' during the Sevilla draw 
  • Jurgen Klopp's side switched off at a throw-in during the build up to equaliser 
  • Keane says the Reds can forget about winning anything due to poor defence 
  • Lee Dixon says Liverpool must learn to tighten up at the back against top sides 

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane has said Liverpool can forget about winning any of the 'big prizes' after being guilty of 'schoolboy defending' in their 2-2 draw against Sevilla.

The Reds returned to the Champions League for the first time since 2014, but were guilty of slack defending as the Spanish side came away from Anfield with a point.

Goals from Roberto Firmino, who also missed a penalty, and Mohamed Salah appeared to have put them in control after a Dejan Lovren mistake had allowed Wissam Ben Yedder to score after just five minutes.

Roy Keane has branded Diego Costa a 'balloon' as the Chelsea striker remains on strike 

Republic of Ireland assistant Roy Keane was scathing of Liverpool's defending against Sevilla

The Reds threw away a good opportunity to begin the Champions League with a win at Anfield

The Reds threw away a good opportunity to begin the Champions League with a win at Anfield

Ben Yedder slides into give the Andalusians the perfect start  but Liverpool responded well

Ben Yedder slides into give the Andalusians the perfect start but Liverpool responded well

But with 18 minutes to go the defence switched off allowing Joaquin Correa to nip in to equalise with only their second shot on target, and Keane was not at all surprised by how Jurgen Klopp's side threw away the victory.


The Republic of Ireland assistant manager told ITV: 'This sums up Liverpool in a nutshell, and why they're not going to win any big prizes. 

'Just switching off from a throw in, leads to the equaliser. In such an important game, at such an important moment.

'Experienced players just switching off. It must drive the manager crazy as it's just schoolboy defending.

Roberto Firmino was on the spot to prod the hosts level but he would later miss a penalty

Roberto Firmino was on the spot to prod the hosts level but he would later miss a penalty

Mohamed Salah completed the turnaround and it seemed Liverpool would go on to win

Mohamed Salah completed the turnaround and it seemed Liverpool would go on to win

Joaquin Correa capitalised on slack marking to ensure Sevilla returned to Spain with a point

Joaquin Correa capitalised on slack marking to ensure Sevilla returned to Spain with a point

'It's the easiest part of football... just switching on. Liverpool did all the hard stuff really well, in terms of creating chances, pace, power and quality going forward, but Liverpool can't seem to do the easy things.

'Liverpool can forget about winning the Champions League. I mean, they should have enough to get through the group, but in the knockout stages against the Real Madrids and all these boys, they'll be laughing at Liverpool.'

If Liverpool's success is based around the pace provided on either flank by Sadio Mane and summer signing Salah their downfall is almost always mistakes in defence.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp shows his frustration as his side dropped two points at home

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp shows his frustration as his side dropped two points at home

Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon criticised the manner in which Liverpool switched off

Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon criticised the manner in which Liverpool switched off

Firmino, Salah and Georginio Wijnaldum all had chances to extend the lead but they were made to pay when they switched off from a throw-in and Correa burst through the middle to equalise. 

Fellow ITV pundit Lee Dixon added: 'Their attacking prowess is brilliant, it has been all season - the way they hit you on the break. 

'But playing against the better teams in the Champions League, and the Premier League, they're going to have to tighten up at the back. 

'For the second goal, it is just blatant schoolboy defending from the throw in.'

The comments below have not been moderated.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.