http://www.manutd.com/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=268784
Smith: Keane inspired us
6/11/05 7:41 PM
Smith: Keane Helped Inspire Us
Alan Smith says United were fired up for Chelsea after
an inspiring talk with Roy Keane left the players in no doubt
about the standards expected at Old Trafford.
Keane, who watched from the stands against Chelsea
and was out of his seat celebrating when Darren Fletcher scored,
is out with a broken metatarsal but still managed to have an influence
on United's performance.
After two disappointing defeats against Middlesbrough and Lille,
Smith says the players needed to show "another side to Manchester United".
"That kind of performance has always been there," he told Sky Sports.
"The gaffer has never doubted us and we have never doubted ourselves
as players.
"But sometimes you just need a reminder that you are at a big club.
You're not at your previous clubs and you can't let the standards drop."
Asked where that reminder came from, Smith responded:
"I think everyone knows where it came from,
although it wasn't just Roy [Keane]."
The 24-year-old Yorkshireman referred to speculation in the papers
about comments Keane made to MUTV, the club's television station.
"All the speculation about it in the papers was rubbish," Smith said.
"He told us exactly what he had said. He's a proud person.
"If you're going to play football you have to accept criticism,
because we'll all accept the praise when it comes.
You do your talking and put things right on the pitch.
"Everyone can see how we did it against Chelsea; work-rate and commitment.
"We've got players that can win us games. Ruud, Cristiano and Wayne
were all brilliant. If we can keep it tight in midfield behind them
- which in the last few weeks we haven't -
we know we've got match-winners there.
"Chelsea are a world class team with world class players,
but we showed another side to Manchester United today.
There was passion there for everyone to see."
Report by Ben Hibbs.
--
※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc)
◆ From: 203.72.38.146