James McClean criticised Derry City’s European exit on social media – and Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch was asked about the former Ireland international’s comments ahead of their League of Ireland clash with St Patrick’s Athletic
Tiernan Lynch has stressed that his attention remains on “the players that are here today” when quizzed about James McClean’s social media outburst following Derry City’s elimination from European competition.
The Candystripes crashed out of Europe last Thursday, suffering defeat at the hands of Croatian outfit Rijeka in the Conference League — their fourth consecutive European loss this summer, having previously fallen to CSKA Sofia in the Europa League.
McClean subsequently took to social media in a post that has since been removed, in which he stood by his teammates while suggesting “an issue somewhere” within the club.
“Rovers, Bohs, Shels, Larne have all progressed through ties in Europe this year. We played four, lost four,” he wrote following the home defeat against Rijeka.
“And sorry, it needs to be said, we have every much as good, if not better, a squad on paper (compared to those clubs), said it already last time out.”, reports the Irish Mirror.
“If you watch the games, the lads aren’t losing these games based on lack of effort, just like all season, so clearly there is an issue somewhere.
“Given (I) am around it every day and have the CV to give my opinion, I think I’ll give it whether anyone likes it or not.
“If you don’t like it, then you’ll excuse me for not caring about your opinion, given that 99.9pc that have a lot to say have never played a professional game in their lives. Anyways, on to the next.”
McClean then turned his attention to Roddy Collins in a TikTok post on Sunday, hitting back following Collins’ criticism of the former Ireland international. The footage emerged on Sunday, prior to Derry City’s League of Ireland fixture against St Patrick’s Athletic in Dublin.
McClean’s name was not on the teamsheet for the 5pm encounter, and before the match got underway, Lynch faced questions regarding his player’s social media criticism.
He responded: “My job here at Derry City is to work with the players that are here today and get us prepared for St Pat’s.
“Obviously it’s a game we are really looking forward to. We haven’t played a league game in about a month. So today is all about this group of players.
“An extremely difficult game, no doubt. Obviously Pat’s are flying at the moment, they play really good football, very athletic, they are sitting where they are in the league for a reason, so we are expecting a tough game.”
Lynch added: “You are still able to bring maybe one or two players in if you get the right people out of contract and all that goes with that.
“There have been lots of changes over the last six months here at the club, but there seems to be a lot of stability now and we are looking forward to moving forward.”
You must be logged in to post a comment Login