There is a risk of severe punishment
Uproar at Werder: Keita refuses to take the bus to Leverkusen
April 14, 2024, 6:46 p.m
Before the game at Bayer Leverkusen, Werder Bremen’s Naby Keita caused a scandal. According to his club, the midfielder decided not to go to the away game because he would not be in the starting line-up. That will have consequences.
Midfielder Naby Keita faces a hefty penalty from his club Werder Bremen after indiscipline. “After Naby found out yesterday that he wouldn’t be playing from the start, he decided not to get on the bus but to go home,” said professional football director Clemens Fritz shortly before the away game at Bayer Leverkusen. Keita, who was brought in at the start of the season and was repeatedly plagued by injuries, sidelined himself with the action. “We will talk to him and his advisor tomorrow about the consequences and how to proceed,” said Fritz.
The incident is the negative climax of what has been an extremely difficult relationship. The noble signing was acclaimed when he moved from top English club Liverpool to Weser in the summer. After his move, he has only made five appearances in the Bundesliga so far due to adductor problems, a muscle injury, participation in the African Cup and infections. It has been unclear for some time whether the club will still be able to afford the well-earning player in the coming season. His contract is valid until 2026.
Keita was described as a “transfer hammer”, “a stroke of luck for Werder” and a “spectacular coup” in June when he announced his move from Anfield Road to Weser. The 2019 Champions League winner and once dominant midfielder from RB Leipzig was the biggest eye-catcher in the north, but has not (so far) come close to fulfilling the fans’ high hopes. After the current scandal, it seems more open than ever whether there can still be a happy ending to these difficult relationships.