Roy Keane Opens Up About His Infamous Bust-Ups: “They Were Idiots Who Never Did Anything”
Roy Keane, the legendary Manchester United player and former manager, has recently reflected on his biggest fallouts during his time as a manager. In a candid interview on the “Stick To Football” podcast by Sky Bet, Keane discussed his controversial confrontations and expressed his conviction that he was right in those situations.
Keane’s clashes with players began when he fell out with Ireland manager Mick McCarthy ahead of the 2002 World Cup, which ultimately cost him a chance to play in the tournament. These conflicts continued into his coaching career, notably with Jonathan Walters and Harry Arter during an Ireland training camp in 2018.
During the podcast, Keane spoke about how he still stands by his actions and decisions regarding these fallouts. He stated, “I fell out with lads when I was manager of Sunderland, Ipswich when I was working with Martin O’Neill at Ireland. I look back and I analyze it, and I was convinced – and I still am – that I was right.”
Keane further expressed his lack of regret by referring to the players he fell out with as “idiots who never did anything with their lives or their careers afterwards.” This sentiment gives him some comfort, as he believes that no one has ever proven him wrong in his assessment of these individuals.
While Keane acknowledges that players can be wrong in certain situations, he emphasized the importance of leadership and how it is demonstrated through actions. For him, leadership is about what a player does on the training pitch, how they conduct themselves on the training ground, and how they interact with staff and teammates.
However, Keane admitted that he struggled to have conversations with players who did not train properly. He found it difficult to understand why someone would not put in the necessary effort and commitment. He stated, “I just cannot understand it. I’m just up for that kind of debate.”
Throughout his career, Keane has been known for his strong personality and no-nonsense approach. While some may view his confrontations as controversial, Keane firmly believes in standing up for what he believes is right. He has never shied away from expressing his opinions and holding players accountable for their actions.
Keane’s experiences as a manager have shaped his perspective on leadership and the importance of discipline and commitment. He believes that leaders must lead by example and hold their teammates to high standards. While his confrontations may have been seen as divisive at the time, Keane remains steadfast in his conviction that he was justified in his actions.
As a Manchester United legend, Keane’s insights into his managerial career and his reflections on his fallouts with players provide a unique perspective on the challenges faced by managers in the world of football. His unwavering belief in his decisions and his willingness to hold players accountable serve as valuable lessons for aspiring leaders in the sport.
In conclusion, Roy Keane’s recent interview on the “Stick To Football” podcast shed light on his infamous bust-ups as a manager. He expressed his conviction that he was right in those situations and referred to the players he fell out with as “idiots who never did anything.” Keane’s strong personality and commitment to discipline and leadership continue to shape his perspective on the game. His insights serve as valuable lessons for both current and aspiring managers in the world of football.