Roy Keane discusses rivalry between BBC and ITV pundits ahead of World Cup
Roy Keane has revealed there is genuine rivalry between the BBC and ITV punditry teams during major international tournaments, admitting tensions can emerge when football’s biggest events get under way, reports BritPanorama.
The former Manchester United captain is set to be one of the leading voices throughout this summer’s World Cup and has opened up on life behind the scenes as broadcasters battle for viewers. While the BBC and ITV regularly share coverage of major tournaments, Keane insists there is no shortage of competition between the two camps.
In fact, the 54-year-old believes the rivalry is beneficial and helps bring the best out of everyone involved. Speaking in Sky Bet’s Road To The World Cup series alongside fellow pundit and close friend Micah Richards, Keane acknowledged there is a noticeable divide between the broadcasters whenever the football world turns its attention to a major tournament.
“The rivalry between the BBC and ITV pundits is a bit strange, but I think it’s good that there’s a bit of tension,” Keane said. “I think you need a bit of competition. The BBC might have the younger pundits, but they’re two completely different shows.”
The comments come ahead of another World Cup where the two broadcasters will split coverage, with both networks showing matches throughout the tournament. Keane is expected to feature heavily during the competition and admitted he is relishing the prospect of spending several weeks in the United States.
Far from viewing the assignment as work, the former Republic of Ireland midfielder described it as a welcome opportunity to explore a country he enjoys visiting. “I’m looking forward to the World Cup,” he said.
“I see it as a little treat for me to be out in the USA and I’m going to embrace it. I want to embrace being in New York. I’ve been there before, but having five-and-a-half weeks there and trying to find some nice restaurants in Brooklyn sounds good.”
Keane also hopes to make the most of any downtime between broadcasting commitments. “If I get one or two days off, I might take a trip to Boston and just enjoy being out there,” he added.
The outspoken pundit has become one of the most recognisable figures in football broadcasting since retiring, with his uncompromising analysis often generating headlines. Yet Keane insists his approach remains remarkably simple.
Drawing comparisons with his playing career, he explained that he relies on the same basic principles that served him well on the pitch. “When it comes to punditry, it’s a bit like when I was a player,” he said. “I always thought about controlling the ball, passing it and moving. Those were the basics. I try to do the same with punditry. I turn up on time, I respect the people I work with and I give my opinion. Whether people agree with it or not doesn’t really matter.”
Keane believes his experience at the highest level of football allows him to offer a perspective viewers value, even if it occasionally divides opinion. “As an ex-player and ex-manager, I think my opinion carries a bit of weight,” he said.
Away from football, Keane revealed his ideal way to spend free time is wandering through unfamiliar cities without any particular plan. The Irishman enjoys getting lost while exploring new places and has no intention of changing that habit during the World Cup.
As the World Cup draws closer, one can’t help but reflect on how in the world of punditry, competition breeds excellence — and perhaps, just perhaps, a touch of friction adds to the spectacle itself.
