Former Manchester United star, Roy Keane has shared his views on why Manchester City defender, Kyle Walker has been underperforming in recent games.
Keane feels that the player’s off-field issues have led to his recent dip in form.
The left-back, who could be said to be one of the reasons for Manchester City’s success stories over the past few years, is going through a tough period.
The player’s struggles have coincided with the club’s difficulties this season.
DAILY POST reports that Walker and his wife, Annie Kilner, have been living separately since January 2024.
The woman announced their split on Instagram, following which Walker accepted his mistake and issued a public apology later that month.
Keane is of the opinion that the situation is weighing down on the player and is affecting him mentally and emotionally.
He told Stick to Football podcast, ”A lot of players have off the pitch issues – not just Kyle Walker – and eventually it does catch up with your performance on the pitch and it takes its toll on you. It is affecting his [Walker’s] game now (and) I think it has taken its toll.’
”I have no problem with a player saying that he needs a change, but in the middle of the season when your team are struggling, I would just bide my time. I still think Manchester City will look at this as a business deal.
”He’s got a good relationship with the manager. But I reckon he said he’s just done. At City, the demands of Pep Guardiola and playing at that level, I think he thinks that he can’t do it anymore at this level and just wants to get out.
”Mentally and physically, he just looks beaten – that’s just what I feel, I don’t know. Other players have been under huge pressure, whether it be Wayne Rooney or David Beckham, they get on with it and the best place for them to be is the football pitch.
”For other players, the pressure piles on them and then their performances are affected. I think Pep will look after him [Walker], but whether that’ll mean letting him go on the cheap, I don’t know.”
