Not for the first time, Roberto Martinez has responded to comments made in Ireland. Last year, he was aggravated by Roy Keane's suggestion that Everton were exaggerating the extent of Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy's injury problems every time the international window came around.
This time, it was Eamon Dunphy blunt assessment of James McCarthy's abilities that prompted the Everton manager to fire back. On 2FM's Game On on Monday night, Dunphy described McCarthy as both 'no good' and 'a terrible flop'. Martinez evidently did not agree.
That's quite a harsh comment if you ask me. I think sometimes those comments are a distraction from the reality of having bad results with their team.
It's a shame that, if there is any criticism, that it comes down to individuals. It is disappointing when you look at those comments because you are not going to get anyone in world football more committed and a better character than James McCarthy.
Last year it was Roy Keane who got on Martinez's tits when he offered this appraisal of what he believed to be the suspiciously pessimistic medical advice Everton presented on the two boys whenever international windows arrived.
You always get the impression from Everton that Seamus and James are both barely able to walk. So when they actually turn up and they are walking through the reception, you think 'Praise the Lord, it's a miracle'.
Martinez described Roy Keane's comments as 'nonsense'. Who will be the next major figure in Irish public life to do battle with Martinez?
[Goal.com]
