John Caulfield hits back at Cork City critics

Cork City manager John Caulfield believes that some SSE Airticity League analysts are overly critical of his side while ignoring the poor play of other clubs.

City lie in third place in the Premier Division after the end of the first round of fixtures, Monday’s 1-1 draw with Bohemians leaving them seven points behind leaders Dundalk.

Caulfield feels his side are drawing more ire than they deserve, though.

“We are disappointed with some of the results,” he said. “We go out in every game to win and teams that we’re playing take a different approach to last year, it’s becoming more difficult because teams are more defensive.

“A lot of the things being said about us isn’t in the interest of Cork City, it’s not coming from Cork City people. What I’m responsible for is to make sure the lads deliver to the people coming through the gate and the members of the club.

“Sometimes I see and hear the comments, a lot of people are ignoring their buddies who are managing other clubs, I’ve seen them play and some of it isn’t great, it’s very defensive, everyone wants to have a pop off Cork.”

Caulfield also disputes the charge that City are a long-ball side.

“Certain things happen in games,” he said, “nobody is going out to deliberately not play through midfield. We play very open football at times but sometimes it doesn’t happen and yesterday was a case in point.

“We’re all disappointed but you don’t feel sorry for yourself, we were back on the training ground this morning trying to rectify things. Sligo on Friday is the most important thing for us now.”