The Everton manager had been accused of putting pressure on his players to miss internationals…
Everton manager Roberto Martinez has hit back at Roy Keane’s accusation that he puts pressure on his Irish players to miss internationals, reports the Daily Mail.
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The Republic of Ireland assistant coach had claimed that the Toffees exaggerate the extent of injuries carried by James McCarthy and Seamus Coleman.
This had come as McCarthy had missed Ireland’s loss to Scotland in an important European Championships qualifier. Three other Martinez players had taken part in the game, with Coleman, Darron Gibson, and Aiden McGeady all featuring.
The Spanish manager has reacted to this by branding the ex-Manchester United payer’s comments as “nonsense.” He insists that his relationship with the Ireland backroom staff is great, and that the Toffees are keen to have their players play international football.
“We have a good relationship. We share information, we talk,” Martinez said.
“At the club we are proud of players representing their country. It’s something we are proud of.
“A lot of nonsense has been said. The reality is the conversations between the managers of the associations and ourselves are good. The only thing I care about is the players.
“It’s disappointing when you see the news in the media like that. The fans in Republic of Ireland need to know these players would give their lives to represent their country.”
Meanwhile, the Merseysiders play against West Ham United on Saturday. They will check on the fitness of Leighton Baines, McCarthy, Gareth Barry, and Gibson, as they are all doubtful for the match.
These add to John Stones, Kevin Mirallas, Antolin Alcaraz, Bryan Oviedo, Arouna Kone, and Steven Pienaar, who are all expected to be ruled out of the match.