Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has hit back at Roy Keane.
Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has told ESPN Brasil that he isn’t really putting too much into Roy Keane’s criticism of him and other Brazilian players.
The Reds travelled to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, taking on rivals Manchester United in their first big derby of the season.
The game finished 1-1, as whilst Marcus Rashford put United in front in the first half, Adam Lallana rescued a point for Liverpool late on.
That kept Liverpool’s unbeaten league run going, though their winning run is over, with Jurgen Klopp no doubt a little disappointed with his side’s performance.
Pundit Roy Keane wasn’t happy before the game had even kicked off though, having seen footage of Liverpool duo Firmino and Fabinho hugging United pair Andreas Pereira and Fred.
The Brazilians greeted each other before going out onto the pitch, which Keane thought was ridiculous, because the players should be focused on ‘going to war’ against their bitter rivals, not hugging each other.
Firmino, as translated by the Liverpool Echo, has now responded to the criticism, suggesting he doesn’t want an issue with anybody but finds it normal to greet his friends before games.
Firmino was adamant that on the pitch, the rivalry is as strong as ever, and acknowledging his friends won’t detract from the fight between the players.
“I don’t want to create controversy with anyone,” said Firmino. “I find it quite normal before the game to greet each other, ask how they are doing. That’s all. Nothing more than that. But on the pitch, they aren’t friends, each one defends his club to the best of his ability. Then the rivalry increases on the pitch,” he added.
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