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Criticism

Pep Guardiola, Leicester City and Kolo Toure are Roy Keane's latest targets on ITV

The Ireland assistant manager didn’t hold back on the station’s Champions League show.

ROY KEANE AS usual, didn’t hold back when dissecting the week’s Champions League action on ITV last night.

On the station’s highlights show, the 45-year-old claimed Pep Guardiola was tactically naive against Barcelona in the Nou Camp, while the former Manchester United captain also suggested that Leicester City’s 100% start to the competition shouldn’t have come at a cost to their domestic form.

And there was still time for Keane to criticise Kolo Toure’s contribution to Celtic’s home defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach.

“I think his [Guardiola's] approach to the game tonight was very brave, but very stupid as well.

“Obviously we can highlight the goalkeeper getting sent off, but a few of the goals tonight were from players who I think are guilty of overplaying in the wrong areas,” the Ireland assistant manager said of Manchester City’s 4-0 loss to Barcelona.

“Everyone loves to see good football, but it’s your decision – when to play and when to clear your lines. Clearly, City got punished tonight for a number of mistakes made.”

Spain Soccer Champions League Francisco Seco Francisco Seco

The ITV pundit also queried the role Claudio Bravo had in the side, after an error from the Chilean lead to the goalkeeper being sent off.

“I’ve never read or heard so much about a goalkeeper coming to a club about what he does with his feet.

“Ultimately, the bottom line is that he is a goalkeeper and he wants to play out from the back and he wants to play as much as he can. But not there and then,” Keane continued.

“If one of your defenders done that – tried to be too clever – you’d be critical of him, but particularly for your goalkeeper. As I said, there’s a time to play and a time to clear your lines.”

Barcelona v Manchester City - UEFA Champions League - Group C - Camp Nou Stadium Nick Potts Nick Potts

Despite English champions Leicester being on the verge of the knockout stages of the Champions League in their maiden campaign, after three wins from their opening three games, Keane didn’t hide his disappointment with the way Claudio Ranieri’s side have started their domestic campaign.

“We’ve said it before. It’s a really good group for them and they’re doing well. Their confidence is growing and the whole club is enjoying it and why not?

Britain Soccer Champions League Rui Vieira Rui Vieira

“They have to remember what got them to the Champions League and that is their bread and butter by doing well week-in, week-out in the Premier League. To me, they’ve obviously lost that bit of hunger and desire in the Premier League.

“The goals they’re giving away, the chances they’re giving up, the lack of concentration, not staying with their runners.

“I’ve been really disappointed with this group of players and I’m cutting them no slack.”

And as Celtic’s hopes of European football after Christmas diminished followig their 2-0 loss to Borussia Monchengladbach at Parkhead, Keane cited the inclusion of Kolo Toure as one of the team’s main issues.

Britain Soccer Champions League Scott Heppell Scott Heppell

“The difference there between decision-making. He’s got to clear his lines. I think he makes far too many mistakes. Over his career he does cost you.”

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