Seamus Coleman says Republic of Ireland critics should target players, not Martin O’Neill

Seamus Coleman has hit back at criticism of Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill, saying the blame should be placed on the players.

O’Neill has seen his side win just one of their last nine matches, with a 1-0 defeat at home to Wales last week being their latest setback.

Former Ireland midfielder Keith Andrews led the criticism of O’Neill after the defeat in Dublin, telling him to “stop moaning”.
However, Coleman has fired back at his former team-mate, telling offtheball.com: “We are all behind the manager. Sometimes players get away with murder.

“It always seems to be put on the manager, that’s something that really bugs me at club level. I’ve seen three or four managers go. It always seems to be them that gets the heat and not the players.

“We need to stand up and be counted. Some of our performances have not been good enough. We’re going through a tough time.

“Keith has been part of teams himself that could have been questioned at times. It’s very easy from a pundit’s position.
“Keith has got a job to do, (he) has really taken to punditry. He might have been trying to make a name for himself by being a little bit harsh the other night. That’s his job, that’s his role.

“When he was a player it was his job to get on the ball and make things happen and at times he didn’t do that.”