Anthony Martial Blasts Mourinho And Solskjaer For “Disrespect And Treachery’’

Football star, Anthony Martial, has blasted his former coaches Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for what he believes to be “disrespect and treachery.’’ The French international made the headlines in 2015 after joining the Red Devils but has struggled to replicate his form and remain consistent.

Martial’s form dipped when Mourinho was in charge at Old Trafford as the Portuguese tactician criticized his work ethics and branded him a “spoilt kid.’’ The former Monaco man has opened up on his relationship with the current AS Roma boss during an interview with France Football on Saturday, September 10, 2022, revealing that loosing the number 9 shirt marked the genesis of his problems with the two-time UEFA Champions League winning coach.

“It started with the story of the shirt number…During the holidays, he (Mourinho) sent me a message to ask if I want to change to the No.11, explaining to me that it is great because it was worn by Ryan Giggs, a club legend. I tell him that I have the greatest respect for Giggs but I prefer to keep the No.9. When I returned to the club, I see my name with the No.11, the story did not end well.’’

Anthony Martial

The French star also believes Mourinho had little regard for him and constantly criticized him in the press.

“He (Mourinho) lacked direct respect for me. He talked about me in the press, little phrases, a bit like he had done with Karim Benzema at Real Madrid. He likes these little games, but he also knows who he is doing it with.’’

Martial

France won the World Cup in 2018 but Martial was not part of the squad after failing to make Didier Deschamps list to Russia, a disappointment the forward believes Mourinho caused him.

“He knows that I am then 20 years old, that if I say something, it is I who will pass for the young person who lacks respect.So I said nothing, it was useless. The following season, I was the best in the team in the first part of the season, he brought in Alexis Sanchez and there I hardly played anymore. It’s the season of the World Cup and it cost me dearly, especially since the France team won. I should have been there.’’

Martial

Martial also called out his former Norwegian boss, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, for failing to defend him amidst fans criticism despite playing through injury on the request of the former Molde FC manager.

“I regularly played injured. People don’t know it, I couldn’t accelerate during the four months following the COVID season. The coach tells me he needs me, so I play. But, given my game, if I can’t accelerate, it becomes very complicated all the same. And I got set on fire(criticised by fans)… the coach never bothered to tell the media…Obviously, I ended up getting injured for good and when I came back, finished, I didn’t play anymore. I took it very badly, I had a feeling of injustice, you are asked to sacrifice yourself for the team and behind the scenes you are dismissed. For me, it’s almost treachery. That’s all I hate. I can be blamed, but not for being fake.’’

Martial

Manchester United’s new manager Erik Ten Hag has expressed his desire to work with Martial but believes the Frenchman has to work hard to earn a place in the team. The 26-year-old is not a regular in Ten Hag’s team but it is still too early to draw conclusions as the 2022/23 has not gone far yet.

Source

France Football

Featured Image Credit: Mirror