James McClean believes Derry City’s struggles in Europe stem from deeper issues within the club rather than any shortfall in player commitment. The 37-year-old, who rejoined his hometown side from Wrexham in January, has endured a disappointing campaign and recently made his frustrations public.
After finishing runners-up in the League of Ireland last season, Tiernan Lynch’s team now sit sixth and were knocked out of the Europa Conference League in the second qualifying round, losing both legs 1-0 to Rijeka. That exit followed a 5-3 aggregate defeat to CSKA Sofia in the first qualifying round of the Europa League, with Lynch afterward urging his players to show more courage in these fixtures.
Left out of the squad on Thursday, McClean said he doesn’t lay the blame on the players. In an Instagram post, he argued the defeats aren’t down to effort and suggested an underlying problem exists at the club. Citing his experience and daily involvement, he insisted he’s entitled to share his view, adding that criticism from those without professional playing experience carries little weight with him.