Manchester United legend Roy Keane has expressed his disappointment with Andy Robertson’s post-match comments following Scotland’s crushing 5-1 defeat to Germany in the opening match of Euro 2024.
The Scotland travelled to Munich filled with hope. However, their German hosts showed no mercy on Friday evening, silencing the passionate away supporters.
Germany took a commanding 3-0 lead in the first half with goals from Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz. Scotland’s situation worsened after Ryan Porteous was sent off.
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Scotland managed a late consolation goal when Antonio Rudiger scored in his own net after Niclas Fullkrug had added a fourth for Germany. Emre Can then sealed the victory for the hosts.
Liverpool defender Robertson tried to explain the reasons behind the heavy defeat, saying: “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.
“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.”
ITV pundit and former United captain, Keane, was far from impressed with Robertson’s comments. “Andy Robertson spoke at the end of the game and said they had a ‘game plan’ he stated.
“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.
“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.”