CARSON, Calif. – Robbie Keane knows a thing or two about rivalries.
The Ireland international has played in some of the most renowned club rivalries in the world from Celtic vs. Rangers—which is Keane’s personal favorite battle—, Liverpool FC vs. Everton to Tottenham Hotspur vs. Arsenal, and he’d like to see the SuperClasico blossom into a great MLS rivalry.
But the LA Galaxy captain admits that the rivalry just isn’t there yet largely due to the lackluster crowds at Chivas home matches.
“A derby is about everyone getting involved. The atmosphere is electric and the place is full,” said Keane. “Unfortunately, there won’t be a great crowd and it’s a shame because we want this rivalry to be important as there are two teams in LA, but it’s not going to work unless we get a real hostile atmosphere and we probably won’t get that.”
Keane has shined against the cross-hall rivals with four goals and a single assist all-time against the Rojiblancos. But even though he’s had great success against Chivas, he’s hoping that their fans can breathe some life into the SuperClasico.
“I want the fans to support them. To have a rivalry, you need the whole package and fortunately the whole package isn’t there,” said Keane. “They get more people when they play us, but against Chicago for example they get around 2,000 to 4,000 people. Every atmosphere that I’ve played in has had a crazy atmosphere but it’s not just about the name of the two teams, it’s about the whole package. The half package is there, but not full just yet.”
