Selection Row Erupts: Keita Suspended By Bremen After Starting Line-up Omission

• He refused to board Werder Bremen’s team bus for their match against Bayer Leverkusen because he was not in the starting line-up
• He signed a three-year contract with Werder Bremen after his contract with Liverpool expired
• He has been suspended for the remaining part of the season and a substantial fine imposed on him.

Naiby Keita is a midfielder who plays at Werder Bremen from Liverpool and recently refused to board the team’s bus for a match against Bayer Leverkusen, because he was not in the starting line-up.

As a punishment, he has been suspended from playing for the club for the rest of the season, and a substantial fine has been imposed on him by the Bundesliga club. His suspension includes not training with them neither will he be allowed in the dressing room.

The action called for the suspension as there were no other measures since he placed himself above the team. In his defense, he said that he will not let people tarnish his name. Keita was signed by the German club on a three-year deal last summer after his Liverpool contract expired.

On signing him, Werder Bremen had expectations that the club will look to move him on i n the summer. He has made five appearances for the club this season, making only one start, with his game time totalling 106 minutes in the Bundesliga.

It has been a difficult season for the 29-year old as he endured injuries and did not make four appearances for guinea and their run to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals that were held in Ivory Coast early this year.

Keita’s early and present life

The 29-year old was born on February 10 1995 in Conakry, Guinea. His football journey began in his hometown with Horoya AC, where he joined at the age of nine years. At seventeen, he embarked on a life-changing journey venturing to France to pursue his professional football dream.

Naby Keita. Photo/beIN SPORTS

Despite facing setbacks with unsuccessful trials at FC lorient and Le Mans FC, he landed an opportunity with FC Istres in Ligue 2. In that season, Istres was relegated but he impressed with his attacking defense, scoring 11 goals in 23 appearances.

Keita got another opportunity that was a turning point in his career when he signed with Red Bull Salzburg in Australia, a move that was a catalyst for his career. He led his team to winning the Austrian Bundesliga and the Austrian Cup.

His star attracted the attention of another German club RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga and he continued shining , being named to the Bundesliga Team of the Season, then to the Europa League Squad of the Season the following year.

The midfielder’s talent secured him a place with Liverpool FC in the English Premier League and spent four years playing for them though his time at Liverpool was marked by periods of injury which limited his playing time at the club. Despite the challenges, he contributed to their Champions League victory in 2019.

Internationally, he has represented Guinea in major tournaments and has been a vital part of the Guinea national team even leading them as their captain.

Keita signs with Werder Bremen

Keita was signed by the German club on a three-year deal last summer after his Liverpool contract expired.

On signing him, Werder Bremen had expectations that the club will look to move him on i n the summer. He has made five appearances for the club this season, making only one start, with his game time totaling to 106 minutes in the Bundesliga.

Keita’s suspension at Werder Bremen

Naby Keita recently refused to board the Werder Bremen team’s bus for a match against Bayer Leverkusen, because he was not in the starting line-up.

Naby Keita. Photo/Sky Sports

As a punishment, he has been suspended from playing for the club for the rest of the season, and a substantial fine has been imposed on him by the Bundesliga club. His suspension includes not training with them neither will he be allowed in the dressing room.

The action called for the suspension as there were no other measures since he placed himself above the team. In his defense, he said that he will not let people tarnish his name

After his contract with Liverpool expired, Keita opted to return to Germany and he signed a three-year contract with Werder Bremen, a move that was aimed at reigniting his career and providing him with a regular starting point.