Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson has said he has struggled with criticism following his Scotland performances.
The Reds hero was critiqued by some Scotland fans following two poor performances against Belgium and Russia.
A disappointing night (ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP/Getty Images)
He has now spoken about this following his return to Anfield action, saying it has got to him a little bit.
Robertson told the Mirror: “Last week was tough, and I just couldn’t wait for this game. Once the Scotland games were out of the way and the dust had settled, I couldn’t wait for this game because I wanted to get back to good performances.
“It’s something you have to deal with when you go up there. Darren Fletcher dealt with it for 10, 12 years when he was at the top at Manchester United and now I’m facing it.
He’s struggled to shake off the critics. (Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images)
““I lock myself away. I don’t like to talk to anyone. That’s up to me to deal with and I dealt with it in the way that I felt was right and I’ll continue to do that.”
Robertson is a victim of his Liverpool success with Scotland
The reason why Robertson is so harshly criticised by sections of the Tartan Army is because of his Liverpool triumphs. He has set the bar so high for himself that he sometimes can’t reach it.
Robertson is world-class, no questions asked, but he is expected to be a world beater with Scotland. Because he is so much better than his teammates, fans demand more.
Criticism is part of the job sadly for Liverpool and Scotland star Robertson. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Was the Anfield star the worst Scotland performer over the international break? Not at all, but he did fall below his remarkably high standards.
Hopefully it hasn’t affected him too much. For Scotland to be successful they need Robertson performing and bashing him for every bad pass won’t help things.
He needs to improve his Scotland form yes, but perhaps the Tartan Army expect too much from Robertson.