Roy Keane told ITV (27/06/21 at 10:05 pm) that he was ‘really annoyed’ with Liverpool’s Diogo Jota and his Portugal teammates yesterday.
It was the end of the road for Portugal at Euro 2020 yesterday after they were beaten 1-0 by Belgium during a highly aggressive game.
Jota started the game for his country, but after a poor display out on the left, the Liverpool speedster was substituted in the second half.
And whilst the Liverpool man was criticised by Keane yesterday, it was his fellow teammate, Joao Felix, who received some heavy verbal punches from the outspoken TV pundit.
“Jota, which we are surprised at (his missed chance in the first half),” said Keane. “He has a goal in him. We have seen it before with Liverpool and on the international level.
“Maybe his first touch could be slightly better. But he never looks comfortable. And you have to be critical. When you get these chances, you have to hit the target.
After the game: “Portugal, it was their real lack of quality in the final third. One or two chances – I get really annoyed with it (players not taking their chances), especially when they are quality players.
“There are no excuses. You see players leaning back and just missing the target. At least test the goalkeeper because these are top footballers.
“Felix, when that guy came on, he’s an imposter. Your country needs you. He comes on ‘hit the target!’ £100 million? If I was Ronaldo, you would certainly be going after him in the dressing room.”
This was a pretty poor defence from Portugal of their title, and in truth, they never looked convincing during the tournament.
Jota wasn’t able to showcase the spark Liverpool supporters were able to see during his debut campaign on Merseyside.
There were a number of occasions – in the opening game also – and yesterday where Jota showcased poor decision-making when in the final third.
But he wasn’t the only one lacking that energy and connection with his teammates because there were question marks on many of them.
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