Werder Bremen’s director of football, Clemens Fritz, has admitted the club wouldn’t have signed Naby Keita from Liverpool with hindsight.

The former Bremen defender joined Sport 1 and discussed the move that was heralded by most of the fanbase.

Keita joined for free from Liverpool in the summer, and according to most reports became by far the Bundesliga side’s higest-paid player.

However, much like his time at Anfield, Keita has been almost permanently injured, playing just three out of a possible 13 games.

Discussing the move, Fritz said: “It was unfortunate that he was injured in the game against Hoffenheim.

“He showed flashes, even in training, that he has qualities. They’re also good for the team, but we want to give him the time to get really fit.

“He is now on the right track. But for him it’s always a question of load control.

“In hindsight it was too early to bring him into the team. He was ready and we had a good feeling from the training impressions. In retrospect, we are also smarter.”