Last night LA Galaxy played their first CONCACAF Champions League group stage match against Guatemalan opponents Comunicaciones FC, in which they easily won 5-0.
The scoreline was not a surprise, but the second half introduction of Robbie Keane was a surprise, as at 35 years of age most expected Robbie to be rested for the less straightforward MLS fixture against Pirlo, Lampard, and David Villa's NYCFC, but the Ireland captain did take part last night, because his manager was afraid he'd get a box if he didn't play him.
Speaking to the media after last night's game, LA Galaxy Manager Bruce Arena revealed why he decided to give Keano a run-out:
My thinking was that I'd either get punched in the face by Robbie or I'd play him. He wanted to play. At my age, I have to bend a little bit. We were going to rotate a few players for sure. Gyasi [Zardes] has logged a lot of minutes, and we wanted to give him a little bit of a break. The options we had tonight were a little bit limited. Although we dressed seven players, but about three of those players weren’t going to step on the field tonight. Robbie [Keane] felt good and wanted to play.
Clearly Robbie Keane is feeling in great shape if he wants to play in every match possible, and that's good news for Ireland fans after he was named in Martin O'Neill's squad for the upcoming games against Gibraltar and Georgia.. Or is it? We noticed a lot of fans voicing their displeasure after seeing Keane in the squad again, as some feel he can no longer contribute to the national team.
Where do you stand? Should Keano still be togging out for the boys in green?
via lagalaxy.com
