James McClean: Derry City have 'issue somewhere'
James McClean says Derry City's European exit is not due to a lack of effort but points to deeper issues within the club.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 at / Author: Michael Kranewitter
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder James McClean has suggested that Derry City's poor European form is the symptom of an internal problem rather than a lack of work rate from the squad. The Candystripes recently exited the UEFA Conference League following back-to-back 1-0 defeats against Croatian side Rijeka.
McClean, who rejoined his hometown club in January, expressed his dissatisfaction with the team's trajectory. Despite the team currently sitting sixth in the League of Ireland, the midfielder maintains that the talent available in the dressing room should be producing significantly better results compared to their domestic rivals.
If you watch the games, the lads aren't losing these games based on lack of effort. So clearly there is an issue somewhere. Given I am around it every day and have the CV to give my opinion, I think I'll give it whether anyone likes it or not. James McClean
The club, managed by Tiernan Lynch, has struggled to find consistency this season, currently trailing league leaders Shamrock Rovers by 21 points. McClean pointed to the success of other Irish clubs in Europe this summer to highlight his frustration with the team's failure to progress through qualifying rounds.