Firmino responds to Keane’s comments on meeting Man United stars before clash

Roberto Firmino

has claimed that hugging and greeting the opposition Brazil players before the clash at Old Trafford was normal.

Roy Keane was in the Sky Sports studio and was livid when he saw Fabinho, Firmino, Andreas Pereira and Fred greeting each other ahead of the Manchester United-Liverpool clash.

The former United midfielder was one of the toughest players on the pitch and he was known for his fiery nature on and off the pitch.

Keane wasn’t pleased with what he saw and said (h/t Daily Star):

“I’m disgusted with the players. You’re going to war, they’re hugging and kissing.

“Don’t even look at the opposition. You’re going into battle against them. The game hasn’t changed that much. The players have changed!”

However, Firmino didn’t feel the same way about meeting his countrymen. The Liverpool star defended the actions and told ESPN Brasil (h/t Daily Star):

“I don’t want to create controversy with anyone.

“I find it quite normal before the game to greet each other, ask how they are doing. That’s all. Nothing more than that.”

The Brazilian added that the players weren’t friends on the pitch and they try to do the best for their side.

A different time in football

The Liverpool-United rivalry is one of the biggest in the world, and Keane’s comments do make sense.

However, the former midfielder comes from a different time and there are traditions and customs that are followed in other countries.

Firmino didn’t actually do a lot in the game, and maybe more aggression in the final third would have helped us score more.

The Brazilian did have a couple of chances but didn’t test David de Gea enough. Hopefully, the forward is back to his best in our upcoming games as we need to keep Manchester City behind us.

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The draw at Old Trafford has trimmed our lead to six points at the top of the table.