KEOGH’S INSULT FOR CITY
PERTH Glory have brought tough talk to Melbourne and are confident of backing up their words in today’s ALeague elimination final.
Opponents Melbourne City have been labelled “fairies” and “selfish” by brash Glory striker Andy Keogh on the eve of the sudden-death match.
The trash-talk was brought on by criticism of the physical tactics adopted by Perth, who beat City 5-4 in a finals tuneup last week.
Keogh, who has scored 12 goals this season, struck out at the suggestion.
“There’s no beating round the bush. Football’s a physical game,” he said. “We’re not a bunch of fairies and if they want to act like that and talk about the physical side of things that’s their prerogative.
“But football has always been a physical game and you don’t win games by not being physical.”
Coach Kenny Lowe backed up the suggestion, saying critics should “play netball”.
The comments promise to add more spark to a burgeon- ing rivalry. The two teams have combined for 20 goals in three meetings this season, two won by the Glory with the other a draw.
Lowe said their firepower meant Glory would run out at AAMI Park full of confidence.
“We’ve scored three or more goals nine times this season ... that means we’re dangerous,” he said.
“You’ve got to deal with (Diego) Castro, you’ve got to deal with Keogh, you’ve got to deal with (Adam) Taggart, you’ve got to deal with (Chris) Harold, and not many do.”
Comparing the counterattacking style adopted by Glory with City’s possession-hungry approach, Keogh offered another backhander.
“They’re good on the ball (but) ... defensively we expose a lot of selfish players that don’t like to track back,” he said.
“That’s how we like to hit on the counter and expose them.
“Over three games I feel we’ve shown we’re a better side and hopefully we can prove that again tomorrow.”
Lowe laughed at suggestion his side was easy to read.
“It’s a bit funny if we’re predictable, I think we’ve beat them every time but never mind,” he said.
“That’s immaterial ... tomorrow it’s about actions.
“Big players stand up and we’ve got plenty of players that can stand up.”
Lowe suggested a minor concern around the fitness of Socceroos player Rhys Williams, who has played just one full game in six weeks.
“It’s going to be tough for him to back up for a full game but we’ll see how he goes,” Lowe said.