TORREÓN, Coah. – Giovani dos Santos is drawing plenty of attention, both positive and negative from fans in Torreón ahead of the LA Galaxy’s CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal second leg meeting with Santos Laguna.
Dos Santos has been a source of scorn and jubilation for Mexican supporters ahead of Tuesday with droves camping outside the Galaxy’s team hotel for a chance to either berate the Mexican international or get an autograph. Much of the attention centers around a negative comment uttered by Santos goalkeeper Agustín Marchesín at the Mexican star in last week’s first leg at StubHub Center.
Although the Galaxy’s Mexican midfielder has yet to speak about the comment during the team’s final media availability before Tuesday’s CCL second leg, Keane came to Dos Santos’ defense.
“I thought it was One Direction coming off the bus. I wouldn’t say it was shtick. It looked like the fans were desperate to see him. It wasn’t shtick,” Keane said. “Everyone wanted a photograph or an autograph. If I wanted a photo or an autograph, the last thing that I would be doing would be giving him some shtick. For me, I thought he got a great reception by the Mexican people because he’s one of their superstars.”
If the Estadio Corona crowd results to “shtick” when Tuesday’s match kicks off, Keane is confident his side -- and Dos Santos -- can meet the challenge.
“It’s very hostile, but that’s something players play for,” Keane said. “It’s why we play the game for these big types of atmospheres and competitions. It’s why we all play the game.”
