Koeman clearly annoyed over McCarthy situation

Wednesday, 29 March, 2017 100comments  |  Jump to most recent
Ronald Koeman has expressed his frustration with both James McCarthy and Martin O'Neill for ignoring medical advice ahead of last Friday's qualifier against Wales.

The midfielder was called up by the Irish boss despite suffering yet another setback with his hamstring and was then named in the starting XI despite having only trained for two days in the days leading up to the World Cup qualifier.

McCarthy ended up being pulled from the line-up 10 minutes before kick-off after feeling tightness in his hamstring but Koeman had more barbed comments for O'Neill in his latest comments to the media.

“It was a final decision against the [judgement of the] medical staff of Ireland and also against the medical staff of Everton," the Dutchman is quoted as saying.

“And there are two people responsible for that. One is the player by himself. Finally, if he says, 'Yes. I'm fit', okay, but even the player needs protection from the manager and, once again, they didn't give that protection to the player.”

Koeman had better things to say about ex-Blues boss Roberto Martinez, who dropped Romelu Lukaku back to the bench for what was an essentially meaningless friendly against Russia this week.

The striker, who scored a vital late equaliser in World Cup qualifying a few days previously, only played the last quarter of an hour when he came on for Christian Benteke.

His Everton team-mate, Kevin Mirallas, started and scored from the spot before making way for Dries Mertens in the second half.

“I was pleased by Martinez that, one, Kevin Mirallas was starting (in the friendly in Russia) and, second, that Romelu was not starting," Koeman continued.

“That's good for us, because he played for 95 minutes in the qualification game against Greece.

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“You like people to understand... not like Ireland.”

 

Reader Comments (100)

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Ian Jones
1 Posted 29/03/2017 at 23:32:59
Class manager.
Brian Williams
2 Posted 29/03/2017 at 23:38:38
Think McCarthy's days are numbered as I get the distinct impression that Ronald is one not to be messed around.

Have to wonder what he (McCarthy) was thinking?

Joe O'Brien
3 Posted 29/03/2017 at 23:56:00
He either didn't or couldn't say he was fit... I think it could be a bit of both. Maybe he feels or knows that he's not in the starting 11 and trying to engineer a move. Either way, I think he'll be moved on in the summer because of this and the last international break. I for one think it's a shame.
Tony Hill
4 Posted 29/03/2017 at 00:02:29
This is what we need, why should he mince any words? I'm a fan of McCarthy but if it be right that he and O'Neill ignored their own medical advice then there is simply no excuse given the player's wretched injury record.
Kase Chow
5 Posted 30/03/2017 at 00:10:02
McCarthy is a limited player (limited creativity and limited goalscoring) and now he's shown himself to be limited in being able to use his brain.
Jason Bowen
6 Posted 30/03/2017 at 00:13:52
Those comments by Ronald are music to my ears! Say what you see, Ronald! McCarthy will be on his way to Newcastle pretty soon.
Gordon Crawford
7 Posted 30/03/2017 at 00:26:14
We need to get rid of him this summer.
Mick Davies
8 Posted 30/03/2017 at 00:34:45
I'm another fan of McCarthy who is losing patience with his 'Ireland first' policy, neglecting the club who pay his wages. I just hope he's fit for Saturday so he can repeat his first-half performance in the home derby earlier this season – then the manager and fans might start trying to forgive him.
Joe O'Brien
9 Posted 30/03/2017 at 00:41:57
Or his performance against Arsenal... he bossed that game. In that match and in the derby, I think Koeman saw the player he can become... but again, I think he's after burning his bridges.
Kenny Smith
10 Posted 30/03/2017 at 00:42:49
To get things in perspective, that was a massive game for the Republic of Ireland and McCarthy obviously felt he could play and influence the outcome if the game. But, saying that, I couldn't give a shit about international footy, so I'm livid like Ronald as we, in our eyes, have a bigger game this weekend!!!

I think McCarthy will be out the door early in the summer window. Our club and its mentality is transforming and someone who has serious limitations and spends ages injured is going to be left behind.
Declan Martin
11 Posted 30/03/2017 at 01:28:32
Hey Ronnie, get a life.

McCarthy has been increasingly marginalised by Koeman and obviously wanted to project himself as an international player. With Ireland totally weakened at midfield – missing Brady, for example – it was a perfect opportunity for him to shine in the international window.

What else was he supposed to do? Sit back, cry off, and end up on the bench – at best – for Everton?
He's obviously not Koeman's favorite, and may be looking for another club, but if I was him, I would have gone for it!

Mark Riding
12 Posted 30/03/2017 at 01:40:38
He's not even Irish.
Jason Pullen
13 Posted 30/03/2017 at 01:48:13
Pretty hard to shine anywhere when you're injured, Declan. Dear me.
James Watts
14 Posted 30/03/2017 at 01:49:17
Absolutely spot on from Ron.

It was a big game for Ireland but idiotic that McCarthy was going to play. The lad has been struggling for a long time with his hamstring and every man and his dog could see how it would end if he tried to play. Well, expect McCarthy and O'Neill, of course. Dumb in the extreme.

James Watts
15 Posted 30/03/2017 at 01:51:21
Declan #11. I guess you're trying to get a bite out of people with those comments... unless... McCarthy? Is that you???
David Ellis
16 Posted 30/03/2017 at 02:43:05
Fact is McCarthy didn't play – and that's because the player himself reported the tightness. So I don't think you can blame him – he would have been under tremendous pressure to play and did all he could to do so, but wasn't so stupid as to actually do it.

Is Schneiderlin fit for the derby? – I hope one of him or James are fit.

Phil Sammon
17 Posted 30/03/2017 at 03:29:08
In McCarthy's defence, he obviously felt fine going into the game. As soon as he felt his hamstring, he flagged it and pulled out. Like many injuries, a recovering hamstring can feel absolutely fine until you stretch it that little too far.

Surely it should be the medical team ruling the player out. Given his history with this particular problem you'd think they would take every possible precaution.

John Pierce
18 Posted 30/03/2017 at 03:30:58
The fact it has gotten to this point is a farce in itself, that can be laid at McCarthy's door.

He knows his body and has even under duress decided to play for ROI when he could have shown more back bone.

Being one of their better players it really wouldn't have affected his prospects.

Or perhaps James is resigned to the bit part he's getting under Koeman and decided the only shop window is the international one, which I could understand.

Either way it's highly likely he's done at Everton. Upgrade and move on.

Nicholas Ryan
19 Posted 30/03/2017 at 03:31:15
McCarthy's insistence on giving his all for Ireland, is very commendable for a Scotsman!
Kieran Kinsella
20 Posted 30/03/2017 at 04:02:50
Funny how O'Neill kept picking Gibson when he was similarly between injuries. Then, when he played for Everton in the cup semi, O'Neill dropped him. Likewise now he's fit at Sunderland – though The Sun had him on our injured list going into the Hull game – he's overlooked again.

Sure the Wales game was important for Ireland. But the player should feel some sense of responsibility to his club. O'Neill is obviously of the Walter Smith patch them up, send them out and don't worry about tomorrow mindset, but James is a grown adult he had to have some common sense.

If being some quasi Scottish/Irish braveheart cripple is so important to him, then he should go and join Brenda at Celtic.

Will Mabon
21 Posted 30/03/2017 at 04:53:41
What David Ellis said there in post 16...

...might be nearer to the truth than we know. The whole way this "Works" under FIFA/UEFA is simply not good enough. Easy to blame McCarthy. In the absence of a definitive, overarching medical "No", what is the player to do?

Unless he doesn't give a damn about either club or country and acts accordingly, he's on a hiding to nothing. Maybe he has pride in wanting to play for Ireland and either suspects or realizes better than we know, that turning down the invitation will harm his future chances.

It all needs sorting out properly from above, it's ridiculous. Koeman should now switch into Fergie mode until things are resolved.

Mick Davies
22 Posted 30/03/2017 at 05:20:11
Kieran, I don't care what you 'read', it's your decision, but please don't mention that disgusting rag on these pages
Dan Egerton
23 Posted 30/03/2017 at 05:35:28
I can understand McCarthy's position. In the end, players want to play and we as fans shouldn't be surprised that they want to, but if his actions and that of his national coach are harming his responsibilities to our club, get rid.
Richard Lyons
25 Posted 30/03/2017 at 06:28:53
Mick Davies #22: Hear hear!
Paul Conway
26 Posted 30/03/2017 at 06:42:17
Mark Riding @ 12,

You only need your grandparents or great grandparents to be from the country you choose to play for.

For example, Jack Charlton wanted to get Paul Gascoigne to play for Ireland (Google, as I can't link), due to his great grandmother being Irish.

IMHO, I think UEFA should arbitrate on such cases, as to whether the player is fit enough to play for his Country.

Brian Murray
27 Posted 30/03/2017 at 06:52:27
Mick Davies (#22) here we go again, why do some fans feel the need to fight other people's battles? Didn't see much compassion on Twitter over Seamus... in fact, lots of sniggering matey.
Kunal Desai
28 Posted 30/03/2017 at 06:58:57
Won't have to worry about McCarthy and O'Neill after the summer.

By the time Coleman is back in the side, hopefullly both O'Neill and his sidekick Keane will be sacked by then.

Ian Bennett
29 Posted 30/03/2017 at 07:27:44
Agreed - you've got to think he just blew his last chance, and will be sold in the summer.

He's no world beater with an increasingly poor injury record post Wolfsburg, so you'd expect his wages and value to be put to better use elsewhere.

John G Davies
30 Posted 30/03/2017 at 07:49:52
More plain speaking from Koeman. Big Ron says it how he sees it. He is only concerned with Everton and doesn't mind who he upsets in letting people know.
Dermot Byrne
31 Posted 30/03/2017 at 08:04:19
Seems to me O'Neill is damaging an EFC asset knowingly. Imagine if that happened to a top 4 "star"...
Eddie Dunn
32 Posted 30/03/2017 at 08:24:21
Surely the player has been pressured from both camps. Macca must realise that his Everton days are numbered, that he isn't first choice, and we had tried to offload him in favour of Sissoko. He is proud to play for Ireland and wanted to keep his international place.

However, surely James must have been aware of this problem. His injury record is a real threat to his future, as an all action midfielder needs his hammies to be working properly.

I imagine he knows he will be out of the Everton door in the summer, and his long term relationship with O'Neill is now more important to him. I don't see Koeman giving him any more playing time this season.

Liam Reilly
33 Posted 30/03/2017 at 08:25:57
He should've taken medical advice but here's the thing; if Schneiderlin is fit for the Derby, then the midfield will very likely contain some combination of Barry, Schneiderlin, Gana or Davies.

Its very unlikely that McCarthy would start anyway, so he's rolled the dice and it's not worked out for him.

The 'Irish grandparents' thing; well that's just boring and ignorant.

Chris Gould
34 Posted 30/03/2017 at 08:48:47
Declan, 'Hey Ronnie, get a life.'

Umm... pretty sure he has the kind of life that we can only dream of. what sort of life tops managing Everton for £6 million a year?

He is correct in everything he says and has every right to be frustrated. If both Everton's and the Ireland's medical teams agree that he isn't fit to play, then it's bloody ridiculous to try and play him!

It doesn't matter if he does want to leave Everton. He is contracted to the club and should behave in a professional manner. It was an idiotic decision by O'Neill and McCarthy.

Peter Murray
35 Posted 30/03/2017 at 08:54:41
We appear to have lost our own "sicknote" in Gibson, to be replaced by our Irish runner – when fit. Basically a total stopper; no creative ability and a lot poorer than our other options. Not a Ronald player at all – another candidate for the chop in the summer transfer moves.

Whoever's selected, just please give 100% and turn up at the home of the RedShite... After all, doesn't any dog have it's day?

COYB... we're desparate!

Mike Berry
36 Posted 30/03/2017 at 08:56:17
McCarthy was a fool in his judgement. As I said in a previous post, if a player is coming back from injury, his first game should be for his club, and then the game after for his country if assessed fit.

He will be gone in the summer.

Mike Green
37 Posted 30/03/2017 at 09:22:32
Sell him.
John Daley
38 Posted 30/03/2017 at 09:25:57
"...what sort of life tops managing Everton.."

[Cue: dyspeptic, boggly-eyed, David Moyes glare]

"Goabshite"

Paul Ward
39 Posted 30/03/2017 at 09:53:29
Whatever fans think of McCarthy, I feel his days are numbered at Everton. For the last two seasons, he has suffered with hamstring and groin problems and they are not getting better. Martinez said last season they had finally fixed the problem, but he is still not right.

This could be the reason for his many below par performances for Ireland and Everton. I don't think there will be many clubs wanting to sign him either with his record of niggling injuries.

Shane Corcoran
40 Posted 30/03/2017 at 09:54:54
The usual plethora of good posts and bullshit.

The chuckle brothers, Mark Riding and Nicholas Ryan, with their dated comedy. He plays for Ireland. Define "Irish" whatever way you want. It's neither funny nor relevant.

I'd be very interested to know if Koeman is accurate when he says that he played against the Irish Medical Team's advice. That's very difficult to believe. A medic tells O'Neill that McCarthy shouldn't play and he picks him anyway? If true, then I would agree that that is out of order.

However, I think the opening piece should have included O'Neill's comments for balance. These were made before Koeman had his say:

“James wanted to play and he was fit to play,” said O'Neill.

“Let's put a couple of things to bed. He didn't train the first day, which was nearly understandable. He trained the last couple of days, but he over-stretched in the warm up, felt something, and I didn't want to take the risk. We were guided by James.

“If you look, he wasn't been with us now for a long, long time. What he does at club level is something that's outside our jurisdiction and outside our control.

“I think that's something he would have to look at, if it is a hamstring problem that he's continually having, that's got to be addressed by him and his club more than anything else. We're trying to pick up the bits of this here, but it's not a fight.”

It was reported last week that O'Neill had tried and failed to make contact with Koeman but the Derry man said he would try to speak with the Everton manager again.

O'Neill replied: “I'll give him a shout. Seamus Coleman's injury was the most important thing of the weekend. If he doesn't want to talk, that's fine, no problem.

“The protocol is medical staff to medical staff phoning each other. I was a club manager and I never once received a call from an international manager about one of my players.

"Even though I picked up injuries, I accepted that as a fact, you curse your luck, but I never once picked up a call. But Everton have lost a really important player in Seamus.”

O'Neill's view is that he named the initial squad and included anyone he wanted that wasn't ruled out by a long-term injury or suspension. McCarthy arrived over and, ignoring the history of his hamstring(s), there's a chance he can play.

I asked it on another thread; what would you do in O'Neill's position? You've no affiliation with Everton or any other club, you've got an important game and you see McCarthy as pivotal to winning that game. If he's fit, you pick him.

Chris Gould
41 Posted 30/03/2017 at 10:02:56
But, Shane, given the recent history, and the fact that he hadn't been fit for Everton, you would like to think O'Neill would have taken on board the advice from the medical teams. Ron says the decision was made against the advice from both Everton's and Ireland's medical teams.
Shane Corcoran
42 Posted 30/03/2017 at 10:13:08
Chris, I agreed in my previous post that if both, and in particular the Irish, medical teams said that he shouldn't have started, then I couldn't defend the decision to start him. However, I'm not convinced by Koeman's comments.

With regards to his recent history, the problem is that it's not just his recent history. He's had hamstring injuries for ages it seems. How long does an international manager wait until James hasn't had an injury for a while? The game was last week. It was a very important game and he was required, if fit.

If fit, I stress.

Ernie Baywood
43 Posted 30/03/2017 at 10:21:09
One thing we know about O'Neill is that he's not shy about talking to the media. If the Irish medical team did not do as Ron says, then we'll hear about it soon enough.

If he did go against medical advice, then you're surely getting into negligence territory?

Des Farren
44 Posted 30/03/2017 at 10:28:20
Forget about O'Neill for one moment... EvertonFC, if they wish to clear up McCarthy's continuing hamstring problems, have the major responsibility in this matter.

Koeman should address this issue head-on and refer him for specialist treatment over a prolonged period in order to resolve the issue once and for all.

McCarthy is, as posters here continually remind us, Everton's employee. He is also Everton's responsibility.

Stan Schofield
45 Posted 30/03/2017 at 10:33:20
It's about time we had some form of independent arbitration of disputes like the one between O'Neill and Koeman, involving an independent medical opinion on the fitness of the player. Such an arbitration process should take precedence over any FIFA rules, and over the vested interests of the warring parties and the wishes of the player.
Brian Furey
46 Posted 30/03/2017 at 10:59:09
I think people are overreacting although there is certainly a lot of tension between Koeman and the Irish management team. Roy Keane's statements a few months back about our club were a disgrace and added to the tension between the two parties.

However, in this instance it looks to me as if McCarthy was keen to play as he knew Ireland were very short of midfield players and he wanted to give himself as much time as possible to try to play. He hadn't trained for the first day or two but then did train on the day before the game. Then, before the game he felt his hamstring was tight so he pulled out at the last minute, maybe knowing that he had a big game this weekend for his club.

If it was a friendly match like Belgium's last night or Ireland had lots of fit midfield players, he might not have tried so hard to make the starting team but alas he made the right choice in the end. I've a feeling we'll see him in the second half on Saturday.

Chris Gould
47 Posted 30/03/2017 at 11:01:02
Yes, Shane, but I think the fact that he couldn't make it through the warm up suggests that he wasn't fit.

So, either O'Neill and McCarthy ignored the advice of the medical teams, or Ireland's medical team disagreed with Everton's.

I don't think we can doubt Koeman's word that Everton's medical staff stated that he wasn't fit to play.

Kim Vivian
48 Posted 30/03/2017 at 11:10:47
That's a very good point, David Ellis (all the way back there at #16). I don't think the mere fact of going out on to the pitch has exacerbated his injury and credit to him for pulling out. He could have done worse climbing stairs.

Hopefully we will see him okay for Saturday. Shame about Funes Mori because I think the competitive nature of both of these guys is what we need in a derby.

Although I do concede that over competitiveness is probably what got Funes Mori sent off before. He really does love the club though and that is what the badge-kissing was supposed to be telling us (John D).

How many times have we seen Rom kiss the badge?

Shane Corcoran
49 Posted 30/03/2017 at 11:12:51
Chris, in fairness, players have often pulled up, either in a warm-up or in a game after coming back from injury. Injuries aren't exact sciences so I don't think we can take anything definitive from the fact that he pulled up.

I'm doubting what Koeman says about the Irish medical team in particular. I'm not sure when the Everton medics would have seen him last. Did they travel over in the days before the game?

Fuzzman, did Keane say Everton were a disgrace?

Mark Morrissey
50 Posted 30/03/2017 at 11:26:48
Dense pillock. He should have said "I'm not ready to play."

I understand his desire to play football but he is meant to be professional and he's plain stupid. Get rid.

Glad to see we are being linked with Gylfi Sigurdsson at Swansea and Hull's Maguire.

Christopher Timmins
51 Posted 30/03/2017 at 11:53:33
Players always want to play, it's up to managers to protect them from themselves.

It would be sad to see McCarthy go as it was only a week or so ago where the manager was saying that his injury had to be sorted. He, McCarthy, brings something different in the midfield sector, just look at the difference in the flow of the games against Liverpool (Home) and Spurs (Away) when he was on the pitch.

He will surely be okay for Austria in June!!!!

Chris Gould
52 Posted 30/03/2017 at 12:46:39
Shane, many footballers do pull up in warm-ups, and I agree that injuries aren't an exact science. However, Everton's medical team will be very familiar with McCarthy and his hamstrings. If they have said that he wasn't fit to play, then they were obviously right and should have been listened to.

Whether they hadn't assessed him for several days before the match is not necessarily relevant as they would be aware of his injury and what his treatment and timeline of recuperation should be. They would have known that it was not possible for his hamstrings to recover sufficiently to start against Wales.

If he hadn't pulled up during a light warm-up then he almost certainly would have after sprinting or lunging during the match. I think you are giving O'Neill far too much benefit of the doubt. It was a big game, he didn't have many options in midfield, so he took a desperate risk.

He has a duty of care to the players, and shouldn't have put his needs before the welfare of McCarthy.

Of course, I look at it from our perspective and have no care or concern for Ireland's football team (except the health of our players). Maybe I'm not in a position to be completely objective, but I certainly believe that this situation should have been avoided.

Tony J Williams
53 Posted 30/03/2017 at 13:14:22
I'm torn here.

Part of me thinks that McCarthy shouldn't have been anywhere near the team to even be in the starting line up, the other part thinks that McCarthy would have been doing the same kind of running etc when training at Finch Farm.

Clearly O'Neill has listened to Jimmy... and Jimmy, at the slightest twinge, has pulled out.

After my initial anger, I'm thinking that it could have been exactly the same at Anfield; if he was to start, he may have pulled up then. He clearly wasn't doing anything more strenuous than stretching and short sprints.

I don't know anymore, my views change like the weather. O'Neill is still a bellend, though... that won't change!

Steavey Buckley
54 Posted 30/03/2017 at 13:53:52
There are three things that James McCarthy does not understand:

Firstly, he is not under contract to play for the Republic of Ireland;

Secondly, he is under contract to make himself fit and always available to play for Everton; and

Thirdly, it is Everton who are paying him the wages that make him wealthy by ordinary people's standards.

Under these circumstances, Everton should fine him for deliberately making himself available to play for the Ireland when he was not fit to play, and now making himself unavailable to play for Everton, so has broken his contract with Everton.

Stan Schofield
55 Posted 30/03/2017 at 13:57:54
In most instances where the club say a player isn't fit to play, the international manager won't press the situation, as far as I'm aware. But O'Neill looks a combative individual, always ready for an argument. It's for these abnormal situations involving unreasonable individuals where a third party is needed to independently decide.
Shane Corcoran
56 Posted 30/03/2017 at 14:06:20
Steavey, I'm guessing McCarthy is fully aware of his obligations and his contractual situation. The last sentence of your post is ridiculous, in my opinion. You really think the club should try to fine him?

Anyway, the latest is:

"To suggest that we ignored the advice of the our medical team is total rubbish," the source said. "Mr Koeman needs to check his facts before he says such things."

We understand O'Neill tried to contact Koeman on several occasions before Christmas after their latest fall-out. However, Koeman failed to return his calls.

Behind the scenes the FAI are frustrated that by what they see as Koeman's unwillingness to talk to them, whilst being willing to discuss his concerns with the media.

Chris, the best I think the Everton medical team would have done was to say that it'd be tight for him to make the game. I think it's clear that he must've been close having trained normally on the Wednesday and Thursday.

Minik Hansen
57 Posted 30/03/2017 at 14:14:19
Atleast Besic is nearing a comeback? What is his situation atm?
Steavey Buckley
58 Posted 30/03/2017 at 14:29:36
Shane, Everton should fine McCarthy because he deliberately made himself available to play for Ireland when medical staff at both Ireland FA and Everton FC advised him not play. That's why he is in violation of his contract with Everton, and should be fined for every week his unable to play for Everton.
Daniel A Johnson
59 Posted 30/03/2017 at 14:29:58
Surely this is all about common sense?

McCarthy is a combative midfielder and by the very nature of his game he is required to cover a lot of ground, to chase and harass the opposition. He clearly needs his hamstring in working order to be able to achieve this.

What we have is the players natural enthusiasm to play against Wales, coupled with Martin O'Neill's stance of matchday is all that matters (sod the long term consequences) and the other factor of Roy "bully boy" Keano leaning on the lad. This all leads to McCarthy putting himself forward to play.

The blame lies squarely with us. If there is any doubt about McCarthy's fitness Everton should just say "No he isn't meeting up with the squad and he's not coming." This then negates all this rubbish. The fact that WE LET HIM join the squad indicates he was nearing fitness.

Tony Hill
60 Posted 30/03/2017 at 14:32:42
Strangely, even if Koeman has overstepped the mark and misrepresented the position (and who knows at the moment), I would still be quite pleased because such unreasonable protection of a club's interests (or interests as he perceives them to be) is exactly what has tended to distinguish the most consistently successful recent managers in the Premier League.

One thinks of Ferguson and Wenger (in his prime) and Mourinho in particular, forever complaining and in the end getting what they want. It would suggest that we have someone arrogant and single-minded in charge and that will do for me.

Brian Harrison
61 Posted 30/03/2017 at 14:36:02
Steavey 54

Because of the fiasco that used to go on were a club not willing to risk a player getting injured playing for his Country. They would get the club doctor to send a letter saying why the player could not be released because of x,y or z, and the Countries had to accept this. But quite frequently that injured player turned out 2 days later for his club. So FIFA decided that if a Country selected a player then despite what his club may think he had to attend and be examined by the Countries doctors.

But just like the club doctors were put under pressure from the manager to send a letter to say he wasnt fit when he was. I can well imagine that the doctor with the Country involved will be under pressure from the Countries manager to say he is fit.

So you end up with a situation that happened to McCarthy. This problem needs sorting, but easier said than done I fear.

James Hughes
62 Posted 30/03/2017 at 14:41:01
Dan, you can't do that anymore. Requested player has to turn up to have said injury verified by their FA (regardless of country).

This rule was brought in because too many clubs were saying player A is injured and can't travel to a midweek international. Only for the player to turn out for club on Saturday fit as a fiddle. We would have been fined by UEFA if we prevented him from joining the squad.

Only James McCarthy will know if he felt fully fit or felt under pressure to play.

Daniel Lim
63 Posted 30/03/2017 at 14:41:28
Haha Shane @49,
I got the same idea as you initially.

But it's Keane's comment about Everton that was a disgrace according to Brian. Read it again:

"Roy Keane's statements a few months back about our club were a disgrace and added to the tension between the two parties."

James Flynn
64 Posted 30/03/2017 at 14:47:44
Another conversation, of many, about McCarthy and his hamstrings.

I can't get mad at a player who wants to play; Club or country.

But this kid has a lot of miles, sprinting ones, on his tires; just turned 26 or not.

If he wants to continue as a big-league professional, someone close to him (agent, family, confidant, all three) needs to sit him down and give him a talking to.

Because his desire to play, which I admire, is writing checks his hamstrings can't cover anymore.

Shane Corcoran
65 Posted 30/03/2017 at 14:50:31
Daniel, thanks for clearing that up.

Steavey, it now seems there's a least some doubt as to what Koeman said about the medical staff.

As I said to Chris, when did they say he couldn't play. Wasn't there time to recover considering he trained for two days before the game?

Apart from that, I can't imagine it's in Everton's interests to start fining players for such actions.

Michael Kenrick
66 Posted 30/03/2017 at 16:30:14
Steavey, stop talking such utter nonsense or show us the contract language to back up your ridiculous claim.

Steavey Buckley
67 Posted 30/03/2017 at 17:06:44
Mike, all Evertonians should want what's best for Everton FC. I don't believe McCarthy has Everton's best interests at heart when wanting to play for Ireland when he was injured. The Everton manager is not happy with McCarthy, and what the manager does with McCarthy will be on the basis of his contract.
Christy Ring
68 Posted 30/03/2017 at 17:30:10
I blame O'Neill and the FAI for picking him in the squad, after missing the last 3 weeks with injury. Once he's in the squad, he had to be assessed by the Irish medical team, so Macca was put in a very awkward position. I don't know what he could have done.

It stinks especially with the derby on Saturday and Schneiderlin very doubtful. The last thing we need is Barry in midfield against the RedShite, he was destroyed when he came on at Goodison.

Kristian Boyce
69 Posted 30/03/2017 at 17:31:13
Someone mentioned this on another post, but this reminds me a bit of the Slaven Bilic situation. He was a big money player who suffered a spate of injuries and was in-and-out of the team for a couple of seasons. Due to his injuries, additional players were bought as cover, who ended up keeping him out of the line ups when he was fit.

In-between his injuries he was always available for Croatia, and played many games whilst not being playing for us. Somehow he was fit for them, but not for us.

I think part of the McCarthy issue stems from the bizarre Sissoko transfer farce back in the summer, and Moshiri's statement afterwards. I imagine he wants out and is looking out for himself. But, the seeming country over club preference may have backfired for him as other interested clubs may see this as an issue that they may face if they sign him.

Paul Smith
70 Posted 30/03/2017 at 18:15:25
Christy, he could have said No. However – and this is a guess, he's probably pissed off with not getting game time under Ron. Who knows? As already mentioned earlier in this thread...
Darryl Ritchie
71 Posted 30/03/2017 at 18:18:55
Will FIFA be picking up his wages until he's fit?
Steven Jones
72 Posted 30/03/2017 at 18:38:29
Guys – the statement says that he pulled out before the game feeling tightness in the hamstring.

Not sure if he is okay to play, whether there is more detailed prognosis, whether he is in contention for the Derby, or is more out for the bulk of the rest season?

Christy Ring
73 Posted 30/03/2017 at 18:47:06
Paul (#70),

If he said no, Ireland are still entitled to fly him over and the Irish medical team assess his fitness, which they have done previously with other players, under Fifa rules.

Regarding game time, Koeman changed his opinion of Macca, and when fit, played him, and said he was the future of the club, but this might put a damper on that.

Tony Hill
74 Posted 30/03/2017 at 20:24:58
Schneiderlin didn't train today so it looks almost certain that he's out. Steven (#72), no-one has said formally about McCarthy, so far as I know, but I can't see him playing.

Eugene Ruane
75 Posted 30/03/2017 at 20:35:49
Tony (#74) – I've just read on another thread a suggestion that we should start with Lukaku on the bench, so don't be surprised if someone reads your post and comes to the conclusion that Schneiderlin might have been told not to train today because he was too fit.

Tony Hill
76 Posted 30/03/2017 at 20:46:17
Yes, I'd spotted that view, Eugene. Nor should we rule out Kone in central defence, of course.
Damian Wilde
77 Posted 30/03/2017 at 21:03:33
Morgan Schneiderlin has been training indoors so just 'cause he wasn't seen doesn't mean anything.

Koeman is spot-on here. What I don't get is people who bang on about how good James McCarthy is. He's had about two good games in two years. The lad isn't good enough!

Declan Martin
78 Posted 30/03/2017 at 21:06:43
Steavey (#67), I think you should realise that all players – and managers (including Ronnie) – want what's best for themselves, and their personal career.

Which is why (a) McCarthy wanted to play in an international; (b) Lukaku won't sign a new contract; and (c) Ronnie will move on when (or if?) a bigger club comes his way.

Christy Ring
79 Posted 30/03/2017 at 23:14:36
Damian#77 2 good games in two years, a bit of an expert are you. Total bullshit.
Damian Wilde
80 Posted 30/03/2017 at 23:46:58
Easy there, Christy lad.
Mick Davies
81 Posted 31/03/2017 at 00:09:51
Damian @ 77. Do you know anything about the game of Association Football?

Brian Murray @ 27 'Other people's battles'!! You should be ashamed of yourself. I knew someone that died that day. In fact 96 people, mostly from our area died that day. It's not about football, it's about the disgusting cover up of those deaths by a cruel establishment, and much more important than an international game.

David Graves
82 Posted 31/03/2017 at 00:19:42
I don't understand why Damian's comment at #77 has caused the personnel attacks. I like James McCarthy as he is a decent and hard working player but "two good games in two years" is pretty accurate isn't it? If everyone was fit, he'd only make the bench.
Mick Davies
83 Posted 31/03/2017 at 00:51:26
David, he's been injured for most of that time, but to say '2 good games' is ridiculous. The whole team were shite, so to single out one player who rarely played is just ignorance.
Brian Wilkinson
84 Posted 31/03/2017 at 01:36:39
Someone touched on a top 4 side, it may be different, which goes han- in-hand with my comment. How many games did Ryan Giggs play for Wales when Ferguson said he was not fit?

How many times did Giggs go against his manager and medical team, that being from a player who always played in the following match for Man Utd?

When Ronnie spoke to McCarthy, that should have been the end of it; instead, he chose otherwise and not for the first time.

Expect McCarthy or be running out in a Barcode top next season; he's pissed on his chips at Everton.

Ian Riley
85 Posted 31/03/2017 at 02:34:29
Season over in seven weeks. Sell the player, problem sorted.

By the way, I am still expecting Mr O'Neill and his world renowned number two, Mr Keane, to pick Seamus Coleman in the next squad – just to piss Koeman off a bit more!

Habib Erkan Jr
86 Posted 31/03/2017 at 04:18:49
Last season, I thought McCarthy was one of the few who gave 100 percent for Martinez but now agree with those who want to send him packing. I only hope his hammy heals up enough to pass some club's physical this summer.
Damian Wilde
87 Posted 31/03/2017 at 08:12:10
Thanks, David. Seems Mick can't debate and got his knickers in a twist and should go for a rest to cool down.
Gerry Ring
88 Posted 31/03/2017 at 08:17:06
I think the Everton medical team have questions to answer here. Why hasn't this injury been sorted? I also believe that McCarthy has a huge amount to offer Everton but when fit, Barry gets picked ahead of him anyway so he probably feels he has no future at Goodison.

The other point that's being overlooked here is the fact that Seamus Coleman & Macca are best friends. Seamie is the passionate Irish captain and I'm sure Macca felt an obligation to play as a result.

Personally, I hope he stays. He is definitely one of our top 4 midfielders; if he goes, you can be sure the injury will be sorted and he will play every week!

David Graves
89 Posted 31/03/2017 at 08:49:03
Mick,

Ignorant? Because someone offers a different opinion? Are you going to challenge my knowledge of Association Football as well?

The discussion is about James McCarthy so therefore he may well be singled out. Find whatever excuses you want but unfortunately the number of good performances McCarthy has produced are very few. I would suggest that is why he is not first choice – but perhaps you have a less ignorant reason.

Dave Abrahams
90 Posted 31/03/2017 at 09:17:15
David (89),

I agree James McCarthy hasn't been great for a good while. As a fan of his I think he has been very good since the Arsenal home game, unfortunately he can't get a good run in the team because of his hamstring problems, when he has played he looks more like the player he was in his first season here, when I think a lot of fans thought he was vital to the team.

It also looked like Koeman was prepared to give him a go in the team but these injuries and what has happened in the International scene with Eire seems to have changed things.

I still think there is a very good player there in James and I hope he can overcome these problems, both injuries and the Irish situation, and stay with Everton. I've got to admit, it doesn't look likely but I wish James well for the future.

Dan Egerton
91 Posted 31/03/2017 at 09:18:14
I was under the impression that FIFA pays Everton the amount they would have paid Seamus Coleman in wages during his convalescence.
Christy Ring
92 Posted 31/03/2017 at 10:00:57
I still believe a fully fit McCarthy would make the first 11 of Koeman's team. Martinez never gave him a rest, and rushed him back every time after injury. Don't forget, Martinez was the expert on 'soft muscle injury'.
David Graves
93 Posted 31/03/2017 at 10:09:08
Christy,

I don't think he would though. Is he not behind Schneiderlin, Davies and Gueye?

As I said earlier, I like him so it is nothing personal. I met him at one of the lunches when he was Player of the Month in Martinez's first season and he was a credit to the club. I just don't think he makes the first 11.

Tony Abrahams
94 Posted 31/03/2017 at 10:11:27
I think a fully fit McCarthy, would get in most teams Christy, because I think he his very good at sitting in front of the back four, and keeping the game simple. I also think he his acting very SIMPLE because he's not a kid no more, and he should be acting like a grown-up, and using a lot more common-sense?

At the end of the day, the only person who keeps breaking down, is the player himself, and although I'm sure both Martin O'Neill, and Roy Keane, can be very persuasive, McCarthy simply has to start looking after himself a lot more in this type of situation.

Christy Ring
95 Posted 31/03/2017 at 12:50:35
Agree completely, Tony.

Just a bit of useless information: Harry Arter missed the Irish game because of injury, and listening to Eddie Howe, he's fit for tomorrow?

And the original row between Koeman and O'Neill, when he played Macca in the two games back to back, Arter was also missing, and played the following Saturday with Bournemouth. Maybe O'Neill doesn't rate him, but one rule for one?

John Daley
96 Posted 31/03/2017 at 13:07:40
"Although I do concede that over competitiveness is probably what got Funes Mori sent off. He really does love the club though and that is what the badge-kissing was supposed to be telling us (John D)."

Kim,

Forgetting this is a McCarthy thread for a moment; can I ask how you know Funes Mori not only 'loves the club' but really loves it? How has he demonstrated such depth of emotional attachment?

By his words?

In that case, it can't be a 'forever' love, seen as though as soon as he was dropped from the side for a few games he started making noises about moving onto the next one: “I'll see how things are going, because if I don't play I will look for a way out to have that continuity of which we spoke....I need continuity. And to play… at Everton or elsewhere.”  

It can't be his 'one true love', in a footballing sense, since he's already sworn fealty to another: "Of course it will happen in the future but I'm already thinking about moving back to River."

By his actions then? Like going out and doing the job he's paid handsomely for? Surely the fact money changes hands eliminates 'love' from the equation, making him more hooker than hubby? I suppose it's possible he could be one of those fairy-tale 'hooker with a heart' types who fall head over heels for somebody paying them for their services, but beyond a penchant for wearing thigh-high stockings I've not noticed much particularly 'Pretty Woman' about Funes Mori.

Which leaves what? Kissing the badge (or to be exact, kissing the badge after being a bit of a bad cock in a derby defeat)?

To a modern day footballer it's a gesture as meaningful as a token marriage proposal to a granny on holiday in Greece, from a guy half her age, after he's blown his muck in her and bought her a kebab. It serves no real purpose other than placating a (cash) cow so he can carry on milking it guilt free in the future.
-------
"He said liver-spots and labia like the mangled wings of a Leisler bat are amongst the top 168 attributes Greek men consider aesthetically appealing in a prospective bride. Sadly for me, a moustache just missed out, but he said that didn't matter to him because if he ever HAD to shag a man (under penalty of death, he was sure to stress) it would surely be Magnum from Magnum  P.I and if he HAD to shag a second man it would  probably be Jonathan Higgins III.... from Magnum P.I .....and if he was going to be tackling the two of them then...fuck it...you might as well chuck co-star and 'ace chopper pilot' TC Calvin into the mix for a 'Mag'nificent hairy hat-trick. 

Well, after hearing this, tears of sheer joy slalomed along my saggy jowls, only slowing to a trickle when he clutched my hand tightly to his chest and whispered softly into my ear, "Now then, about that car you promised to buy me ":

Link

------

Kissing the badge? In the words of Ash Williams from Army Of Darkness: "That's just what we call 'pillow talk', baby. That's all." 

Pillow talk. After accidentally popping one off in the eye of every watching Evertonian. 

Tony Abrahams
97 Posted 31/03/2017 at 16:07:50
I don't think that's useless information, Christy, because there always seems to be more of a problem between Everton and Eire.
Damian Wilde
98 Posted 31/03/2017 at 18:41:52
John Daley, you are Eugene Ruane, right?
John Daley
99 Posted 31/03/2017 at 19:35:34
"John Daley, you are Eugene Ruane, right?"

Damian Wilde,

Or this guy -(as I like to imagine you): 

Link

You've used that line (or some variation of it) almost as much as you've used the "Barkley is finished", "Barkley is the worst player I've ever seen", "Barkley caused my caravan to go *BOOM* because I thought the faint smell of gas was a fart he'd deliberately wafted my way to put me off the scent of his shite performances" bollocks by this point.

Still, I suppose it keeps up your 100% record of getting everything arse about face.

Damian Wilde: "Why is it you never see that John Daley and Eugene Ruane in the same place at the same time?"

Everybody else: "Because one of them is normally stood right behind you doing the hand gesture, Damian"

Link

Kevin Dyer
100 Posted 01/04/2017 at 09:31:05
Daryl @71: injured players' wages are paid by an insurance company.
Tony Draper
101 Posted 01/04/2017 at 17:19:17
McCarthy appears to display more loyalty to the Republic of Ireland and Martin O"Neill than he does to Everton, Koeman and even to his own health.

That, frankly, is not what a club with powerful ambitions should tolerate from their players.

If he can't get his head around such simple facts, then he has plainly illustrated by his own actions that he lacks what is essential in our future.

Dodgy leg? Why? Trying to play against medical advice is a major factor.
Get shut.


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