Roy Keane launched a scathing attack on Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz on the eve of the World Cup, describing the Portuguese coach as having 'the personality of a dead fish.'
Keane's Blunt Assessment
Speaking on ITV, the former Manchester United captain did not hold back when discussing Queiroz, whom he worked with at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson. 'I just hope they don’t become too defensive because Carlos Queiroz has gone in there and one of Carlos’ biggest strengths is the defensive side of the game,' Keane said.
'Brilliant coach, huge question marks about him as a manager. Certainly, I thought he had the personality of a dead fish when I worked with him. But as a coach, very good sessions. Now that he’s managing, there’s huge question marks over him. Whether he’s too defensive, that might backfire on him.'
A History of Tension
Keane and Queiroz have a strained history, with Keane previously admitting he regretted not 'ripping his head off' after a disagreement during Queiroz's second stint at Manchester United. In 2021, Keane explained: 'I always felt we had a decent relationship, particularly in his first spell at the club. His second spell when he came back, for some reason towards the end of my time there, I found him really disrespectful towards me. So we had a bit of a fall out. He questioned my loyalty so I told him where to go.'
Keane pointed out the irony of Queiroz questioning loyalty, given the coach had left for Real Madrid and returned within 10 months. 'That was my point, when he was brave enough to throw that at me,' Keane added. 'Considering he’d left to go to Real Madrid and was back within 10 months with his tail between his legs.'
Queiroz's Career and Ghana Role
Queiroz, 73, has managed numerous national teams including Portugal, South Africa, Iran, and Colombia, as well as a stint at Real Madrid. He took charge of Ghana in April 2026 after Otto Addo was sacked. Ghana had already qualified for the World Cup, but friendly defeats to Germany and Austria led to Addo's dismissal. Under Queiroz, Ghana lost 2-0 to Mexico and drew 1-1 with Wales.
