“There’s no personal problem with Michael.”
Swansea City manager Russell Martin has said he is disappointed with Stephen Kenny’s comments about Michael Obafemi.
The Republic of Ireland manager spoke about Obafemi’s recent issues with Swansea. The striker has been omitted from the Championship side’s starting XI over the last few weeks.
The Ireland forward, 22, was linked with a deadline day move to Burnley, but the transfer fell through. Swansea coach Martin is reportedly unhappy with how Obafemi has reacted to the move collapsing.
Kenny on Obafemi.
Kenny was asked about the player’s club situation at a press conference on Thursday, where the Ireland boss announced his squad for the upcoming matches against Armenia and Scotland.
The former Dundalk coach backed his player and said he was ‘delighted’ to have him in the squad.
“I’ve spoken to Michael and like everything else, there are two or three sides to every story,” Kenny said.
“Certainly Michael wants to play football, he wants to play for Swansea.”
Martin responds to Kenny comments.
At his pre-match press conference on Friday, Martin said he was disappointed with Kenny’s comments about Obafemi.
“There’s no personal problem with Michael,” the Swansea manager said.
“We get on brilliantly, he just needs to earn the trust back from his teammates, from us as a group of staff and the club and supporters. A trust that everyone’s shown in him for a very long time.
“It really is that simple. There are no three sides to the story,” the Swansea boss continued.
“I spoke to Stephen (Kenny) before he called him up, so I’m a bit disappointed with those comments.
“There’s no agenda. I hope he goes away with Ireland and does brilliantly and I hope he does brilliantly with us when he comes back.”
Obafemi could be in line for a recall in Swansea’s Championship game against Hull City this weekend.
The striker scored 12 times in 32 games for the Swans last season. He also scored for Ireland in the 3-0 win over Scotland in June.
Related links.
- Stephen Kenny names Ireland squad for matches against Scotland and Armenia.
- Seamus Coleman on the two Irish players who will ‘kick on’ this season.
- Jurgen Klopp not happy with Ireland after Caoimhin Kelleher injury set-back.
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