Source: Telegraph
Robbie Keane still baffled by Liverpool cold shoulder
Donning boots and a football strip will make a welcome match-day wardrobe change after being left out in the cold by Liverpool.[LNB]Keane is a popular, respectful individual who rarely criticises anyone, and stressed on Friday that he did not want "a feud'' with Rafael Benitez, but he clearly feels aggrieved at his treatment by the Liverpool manager during seven unhappy months at Anfield.[LNB]Wearing a badge promoting Tottenham's "World Orphan Week" initiative, which involves fans sporting esoteric garb for Sunday's north London derby, Harry Redknapp's new captain sat in the Spurs training ground, relieved to be working for a manager who appreciated him but still stunned by how things unfolded under Benitez.[LNB]"You're probably as baffled as I am," said the Irishman, shaking his head. [LNB]"I was never late for training. I worked my socks off. I know for a fact that in my career I have done a job for the team. As long as I am given that opportunity, I will score goals. I don't have to prove myself to anybody.''[LNB]A naturally polite person, Keane's frequent use of the word "fact" on Friday raised a few eyebrows; the word is now synonymous with Benitez following the Spaniard's "that's a fact" outburst at Sir Alex Ferguson. Asked whether he felt match-fit, Keane smiled: "Obviously I feel fresh – and that's a fact!''[LNB]Guilty of a sly dig or not, Keane deserves sympathy. On arriving at Anfield for £20 million, Keane was informed by Benitez that he would be utilised in his preferred position. [LNB]"He told me he wanted me as a second striker with [Fernando] Torres,'' mused Keane. "But unfortunately Torres was injured so we only played a few games together. [LNB]"I was playing as a lone striker and everyone knows I am not a target man. He used me left wing sometimes, which is not my game. I played out of position a few times."[LNB]Out of position, out of favour, out in the cold: Keane's very public demise at Anfield was excruciating to behold and bemusing. Those promoted in his stead, like David N'Gog, were not in the class of an experienced forward watching from the stands or from home.[LNB]"If you look at my record compared to most of them [like N'Gog and Ryan Babel], I think it's probably a little bit better. I was disappointed because I love to be involved, I love to play, and to have that taken away is disappointing.[LNB]"I just want to be treated as the same as everybody else.'' When Steven Gerrard then tore a hamstring at Everton on Wednesday, Liverpool cried out for somebody like Keane to race on and play the second-striker role in support of Torres.[LNB] "I was just disappointed for Stevie,'' Keane observed diplomatically. [LNB]He shrugged when informed that Benitez had been grilled at Goodison over the folly of offloading Keane. [LNB]"And? That's not my problem now, is it? I am not concerned about Liverpool. I wish the lads, Rafa and the staff well. I made some good friends there and Carra [Jamie Carragher] and Stevie are great lads, two great professionals."[LNB]If Carragher, Gerrard and Torres manage to drive Liverpool to the title, Keane will qualify for a winner's medal, but he would not keep it. "Not at all. My brother is a Liverpool fan so I'd probably. . ." Keane tailed off, hinting he would give the medal to his brother but then remembered something about his sibling. "He's a Tottenham fan now.''[LNB]The numerous questions fired at Keane on Friday probably do not even match the number he wants to ask Benitez. Did Benitez enlighten Keane on why he was being left out? "No." [LNB]Wouldn't an explanation from Benitez have been civilised? "Get the train up to Liverpool and ask him.'' Did Benitez clarify why he was being sold? "No."[LNB]Did he feel a pawn in the power battle between Benitez and Liverpool's chief executive, Rick Parry? Keane paused, shook his head again and reiterated his disbelief at his treatment.[LNB] "I've never been left out of a squad, ever, in my career. I believe I could have brought a lot to that squad. I respect Rafa for the way he picks his team, unfortunately I just didn't fit into the way he wants to play football. With a different manager there, possibly it could have worked.''[LNB]Benitez's comment that Keane struggled with life at a "big club" drew a tart response from Redknapp. "Big club?!" spluttered the Spurs manager, thinking about Keane's CV. [LNB]"Robbie's played for Inter Milan. Leeds were one of the biggest clubs in the country. Tottenham are a massive club. He can make it anywhere, he is that good a player.[LNB]"Only a certain few players have got his fantastic enthusiasm. Look at Carlos Tevez for Manchester United against us: he was full of energy, full of movement and when he lost the ball he chased after it like kids do in the playground. Robbie plays that way.[LNB]"Even in training he's been bright and sharp. He's scored a couple of fantastic goals in training already. It gives everybody a lift. Woody [Jonathan Woodgate] and [Jermaine] Jenas have been ringing him. They all wanted him back because they knew we needed him."[LNB]Keane smiled at all the compliments spilling from a manager's mouth. It has been a while, after all, since he felt so loved. "Harry has a record of having a great relationship with his players,'' Keane said. [LNB]"He speaks to the players. When he gets a player in, he certainly gives them an opportunity and that's something I'm relishing. [LNB]"I'm training with a smile on my face again. Because of the recession, I was renting up there and I kept my house down here. Maybe it was fate. Obviously I am back where I belong." [LNB]
