The Republic of Ireland assistant manager thinks Roberto Martinez is piling on too much pressure on the Irish internationals at Everton.
Roy Keane has accused Roberto Martinez of hindering James McCarthy’s and Seamus Coleman’s international progress by overworking them. He implied that the Irish duo’s fatigue coming into international breaks leaves the Ireland squad is drastically weakened for crucial qualifying matches.
I worry that he (McCarthy) is under lots of pressure, particularly from Everton’s point of view.
Because every time there is an international match it does seem to be Seamus (Coleman) and James (McCarthy) under lots of pressure. They’re turning up or they mightn’t turn up, or they’re struggling.
Keane added that he is genuinely surprised when the Everton pair actually turn up to play for Ireland because they always seem to be engaged in some sort of fitness battle before a round of international fixtures.
You always get the impression from Everton that Seamus and James are both barely able to walk, that type of thing.
So when they actually turn up and they are walking through the reception, “Praise the Lord, it’s a miracle.”
The former Ireland captain declared his interest in sitting down with Martinez and discussing a resolution. Keane admitted he wants both players to be in better nick when their country needs them.
There has to be, I think, some sort of sit-down conversation and say, “Listen, I think Martin’s been more than good enough here, particularly the friendlies but these are big qualifying matches now.
Keane closed his argument with what could be considered a bit of a dig at the Spanish manager’s playing career.
Roberto, I don’t think, has ever played senior level at international level and maybe he doesn’t appreciate how big it is for us and how big the games are for us.
Hat-tip to Daily Mail
