Kerry masters of defensive tactics, claims Derry boss Brian McIver

Derry manager Brian McIver last night claimed Kerry have provided the greatest example to teams that the best way of countering defensive systems is to mirror them.

McIver revealed Derry chose to follow Tyrone’s example having seen how difficult they made things for Dublin earlier. However, Saturday’s game became a forgettable spectacle when Dublin chose not to press up on Derry as they did against Tyrone.

“The great percentage of sides are playing like this,” said McIver after Derry training last night. “Kerry in last year’s All-Ireland final set up exactly like Donegal last year, mirrored them in the way they played and beat them at it. We tried to run through Donegal last year and were criticised for trying to do so. Monaghan decided to drive the ball in and were criticised for doing that.”