Roy Keane slams Reece James for not sprinting back in Liverpool’s opener against Chelsea

Manchester United legend Roy Keane has criticised Chelsea captain Reece James for not sprinting back and trying to put off Luis Diaz for Liverpool’s opening goal, saying he needs to lead by example.

The west Londoners fell behind after just 18 minutes in Sunday’s 1-1 draw, with Mohamed Salah racing down the right flank before cutting inside and playing a superb pass for Diaz to tuck home.

Keane slams James for not sprinting back

Speaking on Sky Sports afterwards, Keane said: ‘It’s brilliant, really good play from Liverpool, but James can actually see him running! And James still doesn’t sprint back! That’s the bit I don’t understand.

‘We talk about tactics and systems, but James is looking at [Luis Diaz] running off him. Maybe he’ll argue afterwards, “Well I’m a wing-back and that’s not my job” but he sees him running and he still doesn’t [track it]. You have to sprint back as if your life depended on it!

‘I don’t get it. As brilliant as James is – I love him to bits, think he’s a brilliant player particularly going forward – but when you see somebody run off the back of you, you sprint. You sprint! No excuses.’

Richards blames Colwill for goal

When fellow pundit Daniel Sturridge suggested he was not getting back anyway, Keane hit back: ‘If you don’t think he’s going to get back he may as well stop and have a cup of tea!

Micah Richards actually felt a lot of blame for the goal lay with Levi Colwill, who allowed Salah to cut inside, and was not sure the system quite worked in the first half.

‘Colwill in this position here, because they’re playing three at the back, he doesn’t know whether to stay or go,’ said Richards.

‘Yes, James should be tracking but Salah is left-footed, he needs to show him wide, get him on his right foot. We know Salah is dangerous on his left foot. It’s just that communication in the first half that Chelsea couldn’t grasp, but as the game wore on they grew into it and gained confidence.’

Conclusion

Roy Keane was far from impressed with the effort shown by Reece James in the build-up to Liverpool’s opener and feels he gave up too easily rather than chasing back after losing the Colombian. As the captain of Chelsea, James needs to set an example for his teammates and make sure they are all doing their best to help the team succeed. Micah Richards felt that Levi Colwill was also to blame for the goal, as he allowed Salah to cut inside and create the chance for Diaz to score.

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