Martin O'Neill calls Ronald Koeman 'master tactician of the blame game', Koeman responds
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Updated 31/03/2017 at 21:34 GMT
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has hit back at Ronald Koeman, calling him the 'master tactician of the blame game.'
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill
Image credit: Eurosport
Koeman and O'Neill have been regularly rowing this season over the fitness of midfielder James McCarthy.
The latest incident came when McCarthy was picked by O'Neill to face Wales, only to pull out with injury just before kick-off.
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Everton's Idrissa Gueye and James McCarthy celebrate after the game
Image credit: Reuters
Speaking at his press conference ahead of the Merseyside derby Koeman said "Clearly James was not fit to play. We advised extreme caution. He was not fit to play.
"In my opinion, the Ireland manager in this instance was not protecting the player. I am not surprised but I am disappointed."
Later on Friday evening O'Neill hit back and he didn't mince his words.
"Once again the Everton manager, master tactician of the blame game, has struck out in his comments today, criticising both myself and James McCarthy," O'Neill said in statement released by the Irish FA.
"Perhaps a review of Everton's pre-season programme might provide some enlightenment.
"James had a magnificent tournament for the Republic of Ireland last summer during UEFA EURO 2016, playing his last game in very late June. He then returned to Everton after a very short break, but only 11 days later, he played his first of three games, all within an eight-day period, against Real Betis, Manchester United and Espanyol. Overloading?
"It should be added that James last played for his country on the October 9, 2016 - almost half a year ago. Since that time he has been totally under Everton's supervision.
"James is diligent and conscientious in his professional preparation.
"Perhaps, in this instance, quiet introspection may serve the Everton manager and his medical staff better."
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Ireland's midfielder James McCarthy (R) and Italy's midfielder Alessandro Florenzi vie for the ball during the Euro 2016 group E football match between Italy and Ireland at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, near Lille, on June 22, 2016
Image credit: AFP
Koeman then tweeted later on.
Koeman's statement on the matter in full can be seen below.
"James had an injury when he reported for Ireland duty last week and our medical team made the Ireland medical team aware of this.
"Everton's medical team advised extreme caution, not only due to the current injury but also due to previous injuries.
"The assessment by the Ireland medical was that it would be a high risk for James to play against Wales.
"But of course James has a strong desire to play for his country so when asked if he was fit to play he said he felt he was fit. And he was selected to start the game but withdrawn.
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Everton manager Ronald Koeman
Image credit: Reuters
"In my opinion, in this instance it was not protecting the player. James was clearly not fit to play. He only trained for two days with Ireland and broke down in the warm-up.
"He has only played only one game from the start in 2017 and he did not play for three weeks before the Wales game. In my opinion he would need at least one full week of training sessions to be declared fit.
"I spoke to James, he needs to take responsibility for this. But this is not the first time."
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