Roy Keane criticizes Xabi Alonso for wanting to skip a match to join Arsenal

Roy Keane, the former Manchester United captain, has expressed strong disapproval of Xabi Alonso's behavior during his attempted transfer from Liverpool to Arsenal in the summer of 2008. Keane stated that if Alonso had been part of the United squad under Sir Alex Ferguson, his reluctance to play in a crucial match would not have been tolerated. Alonso reportedly sought to avoid being cup-tied as he pushed for the move, leading to his initial desire to miss a vital Champions League qualifier against Standard Liege. Despite his initial hesitance, Alonso ultimately participated in the match, helping Liverpool secure a narrow 1-0 victory with a late goal from Dirk Kuyt. Keane emphasized that players at United would have reacted differently to a teammate refusing to play, suggesting a culture of accountability and commitment within the squad. He noted that while disagreements between players and management are common, a refusal to contribute to the team's efforts would have been met with backlash. Alonso's transfer to Arsenal ultimately fell through, but he went on to have a successful season with Liverpool, narrowly missing out on the Premier League title to United. He later transferred to Real Madrid in 2009 after making significant contributions to Liverpool, including scoring in the 2005 Champions League final. Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher, another pundit on the podcast, lamented that manager Rafa Benitez could not persuade Alonso to extend his contract with the club. In related news, Dutch coach Arne Slot has taken over as Liverpool's manager, succeeding Jurgen Klopp.