Roy Keane fumes at Andy Robertson for post-match comments on Scotland thrashing
Roy Keane was left unimpressed with Andy Robertson's post-match comments after Scotland were thrashed by Germany 5-1 in Euro 2024's opening match.
The Tartan Army arrived in Munich amid plenty of enthusiasm with four per cent of the country said to be travelling to follow the tournament. Their German hosts, however, provided little accommodation on Friday evening - and silenced the vocal away support.
Goals from Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz saw Germany take a 3-0 lead at the close of the opening half, with Scotland a man down after Ryan Porteous' red card. The shell-shocked side managed a late consolation when Antonio Rudiger headed into his own net after Niclas Fullkrug scored a fourth - but Emre Can cemented the victory.
Liverpool defender Robertson attempted to provide his reasoning for the comprehensive defeat. "First half, we just got it all wrong really, didn't show up, weren't aggressive enough, and we let good players get on the ball," Robertson said. "Second half, we're down to 10 men and I thought lads dug in really well.
"We’re so well backed over here, today was hugely disappointing. We have to bounce back quickly because there was lots wrong here and it’s a quick turnaround now. Maybe it's a reminder of how tough this tournament is.
"Their big players showed up and were excellent all over the park and had an answer for pretty much everything we had. I don't think we’ve played to our maximum. We have to dust ourselves down and go again."
That was not enough for ITV pundit Keane, however. The former Manchester United captain was not impressed with Robertson's take.
"Andy Robertson spoke at the end of the game and said they had a 'game plan'," he said. "It's all well and good having a plan, he said then 'We weren't aggressive enough'. You have to be aggressive in a game of football. Being up against opposition who are much stronger than you, being aggressive is part of a footballer.
Andrew Robertson and Kenny McLean of Scotland look dejected
"I love watching skilful players, absolutely love it and the talent we saw from the German players tonight was great to watch. But my goodness, when you are playing football at this level, you've got to hit people. Hit them properly, hit them aggressively and do it in the right way.
"If you step off against them like Scotland did tonight... and it's no good talking after the game saying 'We had a game plan'... it's rubbish! Andy Robertson, it's all just rubbish coming out. You knew before the game what was at stake and after the game it's no good going, 'We'll regroup and we'll be angry tomorrow.'
"No, you should be angry for a long time. We spoke before the game about creating history. They are creating history all right... by playing as bad as that and letting their manager and supporters down. The tackle for the penalty and sending off wasn't aggressive that was madness, of course. Being aggressive is part of the game but they didn't lay a glove on them."
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