Liverpool left-backs Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas found themselves in a heated exchange while on international duty.
The defensive duo parted for the international break to join their respective national teams, Scotland and Greece, and were swiftly reunited on the field as their countries locked horns in the Nations League. Scotland journeyed to Piraeus to face the first leg of their Nations League play-off clash on Thursday, with the aim of staying in League A and avoiding relegation to be taken over by Greece, who took second place behind England in League B Group 2.
Despite having fewer shots and controlling less of the game, Scotland secured a 1-0 lead courtesy of a first-half penalty from Scott McTominay. The high-stakes match heightened emotions, setting aside any club camaraderie.
Towards the end of the game, Robertson was seen engaging intensely with referee Tobias Stieler when VAR stepped in to reverse a penalty awarded to Greece. During the VAR check, the Scotland skipper was fervently making his case to the official. However, Tsimikas seemed to take issue with Robertson’s reaction, appearing to exchange words with his Liverpool colleague off-camera – which prompted the Scot to angrily point at his captain’s armband in defiance.
Social media platform X saw fans striving to decode Robertson’s words to his teammate, with one attempting lip-reading and suggesting: “No love lost between Robertson and fellow Liverpool left-back Tsimikas. ‘Because I’m the f—— captain, Kostas, outside.'”
Another fan chimed in: “A canny be sure exactly what Robertson is shouting at Tsimikas, but it includes “…because am the f—— captain…” A third echoed these sentiments, stating: “I thought the same live!”
Robertson marked his 80th cap for Scotland on Thursday night, having celebrated his 31st birthday earlier this month. However, concerns over his age and a perceived dip in form have sparked rumors that Liverpool may be scouting for a new left-back, a prospect that could also spell trouble for Tsimikas.
Despite the speculation, the Scot remains optimistic about retaining his position at Anfield next season. “I think we’ve been linked with pretty much every left-back in the world,” he quipped. “That comes with playing with one of the greatest clubs in the world. I look back on these eight years I’ve had as the starting left-back at that club and I feel a lot of pride.
“Your time comes and I don’t think it’s my time yet but even if we do bring someone in, then so be it. I’ll always back myself. Sure, this season there have been a couple of moments when I haven’t covered myself in glory but some things have been taken way out of proportion.
“I think the performance levels have been there for me. I think I’ve had a relatively good season but one thing people will say about me is that’s I’ve been pretty consistent, so when you make a couple of mistakes, then people can talk.
“That’s the world we live in, that’s the Premier League. Everyone has eyes on you, everyone has an opinion. It is what it is but I’m always confident in my ability. I’ve shown that right throughout my career but especially during my time at Liverpool.”
