Published 00:12 IST, October 23rd 2019
Firmino responds to Roy Keane's ‘hugging and kissing’ criticism
Roberto Firmino responded to, Roy Keane's criticism, stating that his reaction was excessive a hugging and greeting players' in the tunnel was something normal
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Liverpool's attacking midfielder, Roberto Firmino, responded to former Manchester United Skipper, Roy Keane's criticism, stating that his reaction was excessive as hugging and greeting players' in the tunnel was something very normal. Firmino's statement came in after the former midfielder, berated both Manchester United and Liverpool players for hugging it out in the tunnel as they lined up in a premier league match at Old Trafford on October 20 as he was seen hugging fellow Brazilians, Fred, and Andreas Pereira before crossing the white line.
'I am really angry'
In an interview with a local media outlet, Keane stated that he was really angry with the players because they were going out on to the field to snatch the three points up for grabs but were hugging and kissing each other.
Roy said that one should not even look at their opposition as they will be going into a "battle" against them. He also added the game has not changed one bit, instead the players have changed. The former midfielder said that one should meet and greet each other after the game is over but that is also not necessary.
One for the club
The former Red Devils player added that once on the football pitch, players from both the teams should be playing for the crest on the club jersey and should defend their club's honor and that is how the rivalry increases in the game.
He still stands by his words and feels that friendships should be kept aside during the match as the Premier League is a cut-throat competition and has no place for players who gets complacent.
Manchester is Red
Meanwhile, Manchester United and Liverpool battled it out in an interesting 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on October 20. The match saw Marcus Rashford scored for the Red Devils in the 36th minute after a cross from Daniel James. Although, Rashford's goal was canceled out by Liverpool's attacking midfielder, Adam Lallana, in the 85th minute as he made the most of a sluggish United defense and netted the goal past David d Gea. United and Liverpool shared a point each as Manchester United became the first team to end the Reds 8 match winning streak.
United Park the bus
The 1-1 draw led to Liverpool's lead being cut down to 6 points after nine games whereas the Red Devils found themselves at the 14th position with 10 points from a total of 27 in 9 games. It is a dire situation for the former premier league winners as they sit just two points clear of the relegation zone.
Ole Gunnar Solsksjaer's tweaked 3-4-1-2 formation had little effect as they 'parked the bus' during the match with little to offer in their counterattacks. With Pogba and Luke Shaw injured, Manchester United have very little time to turn around their campaign.
Liverpool will play against Genk in a Champions League encounter on October 23 whereas Manchester United will be facing Partizan in a Group L Europa League encounter on October 24 in a match to be played at the Partizan stadium.
17:15 IST, October 22nd 2019