Roy Keane did not hold back in his criticism of Manchester City following the behavior of their players after a dramatic 2-1 victory at Anfield against Liverpool. The former Manchester United captain felt that City displayed a lack of respect while Liverpool manager Arne Slot was conducting his post-match press conference.
The incident unfolded after a highly entertaining and controversial Premier League clash on Sunday night, where Liverpool initially took the lead through a superb free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai in the second half. However, Manchester City turned the game around with goals from Bernardo Silva and a penalty from Erling Haaland, securing all three points for the visitors.
The drama didn’t end there. In the closing minutes, Szoboszlai received a red card, while Rayan Cherki’s goal was ruled out by VAR during the same sequence. Despite the tension on the pitch, the City players celebrated their hard-fought win with exuberant joy.
Loud Music During Slot’s Press Conference
The victory was especially significant for Manchester City. Before the match, their title hopes were considered precarious. A loss at Anfield would have allowed Arsenal to extend their lead to nine points at the top of the Premier League. Thanks to this result, Pep Guardiola’s side maintains a six-point gap over the Gunners, keeping the title race alive.
However, the celebrations in the dressing room sparked controversy. Loud music was clearly audible during Arne Slot’s post-match interview with Sky Sports, which drew criticism from Keane.
“It’s interesting to see if they also play music when Pep gives an interview,” Keane said. “Manchester City are of course entitled to enjoy their win, but they should show a bit of respect. Turn the music down when someone else is doing a press interview. It’s ridiculous,” he added.
Understanding the Importance of the Victory
While Keane’s criticism focuses on decorum, the euphoria in the Manchester City camp is understandable given the stakes. Bernardo Silva admitted that the players were fully aware of the title implications before kick-off.
“I think the whole squad knew if we lost today, our chances of winning the league would likely be over,” Silva told Sky Sports. “We felt we had to win. The hope is still alive, and we’ll fight until the end. We need to keep working hard—something we haven’t done consistently lately,” he added.
Pep Guardiola Responds with Humor
When asked for his reaction to Silva’s remarks, Pep Guardiola responded with a lighthearted tone. “They didn’t tell me about that. I am actually more optimistic than they are,” the Spanish manager said, smiling. Guardiola’s response highlighted his calm and measured approach even amid intense pressure.
Upcoming Fixtures to Decide the Title Race
Looking ahead, Manchester City will host Fulham at the Etihad Stadium, while Arsenal travels to face Brentford. City is determined to stay close to Arsenal as both teams prepare for their crucial head-to-head encounter on April 18.
Before that pivotal league clash, the two sides will also meet in the Carabao Cup final on March 22, adding another layer of intensity to the ongoing battle for domestic honors. Every match in this run of fixtures could prove decisive in determining the Premier League champion for the 2025/26 season.
Keane’s Broader Perspective
Roy Keane’s remarks reflect his longstanding commitment to professionalism and respect in football. The Irishman, renowned for his outspoken nature, emphasized that while celebrations are understandable, players should remain mindful of opponents and the broader context of the sport. In his view, etiquette during interviews and press engagements is as important as performances on the pitch.
“Celebrating a win is natural,” Keane said, “but there is a time and place. Post-match interviews are not the moment for loud music and distraction. Players must understand that respect is part of the game, not just tactics or results.”
The Stakes Remain High
The Premier League title race remains fiercely competitive, with Manchester City and Arsenal locked in a battle that could be decided in the coming weeks. Guardiola’s squad now has the dual challenge of maintaining form in the league while preparing for high-stakes cup finals. How the team balances focus, discipline, and celebrations may influence perceptions as much as performances on the field.
As City continues to fight for the championship, the spotlight on player behavior, especially in high-profile matches, remains intense. Keane’s comments are a reminder that respect and professionalism are integral to football culture, and even the most successful teams are not immune from scrutiny.
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