Former Ghanaian international, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has criticized Villarreal manager Marcelino Garcia over his comments on Thomas Partey describing it as very unnecessary and is very optimistic Partey will bounce back stronger.
The Spanish tactician really spoke his mind saying Thomas Partey hasn’t lived up to his own standard and is completely different from the one he use to know and added his recent court case has been impactful on him and isn’t mentally ready to play at the highest level right now.
Partey, since arriving at the Estadio la Ceramica, hasn’t really had enough game time having come on as a substitute in most of their matches and is currently even falling behind 17-year-old Carlos Marcia in the team’s options in midfield.
The versatile middleman despite the struggled has managed nineteen games in all competitions; fourteen in the Laliga and five in the UEFA Champions League.
In response to what the coach said, the former Black Stars and Udinese midfielder says the coach has goofed big time as he’s failed to handle the issue with Partey properly.
He reiterated that he will bounce back stronger and will be available for the FIFA World Cup
“I was very shocked by what the coach said about Partey. He is your player, and when he is not performing to expectations, it is the responsibility of the coach and the sporting director to identify the real problem. Comparing him to his former club is unnecessary.
“I believe Thomas Partey will come back stronger. The Black Stars need him for the World Cup even more than Villarreal do. We must continue to support him and keep him in our prayers.”
The 32-year-old joined the Yellow Submarines as a free agent last summer on a two-year deal but has honestly struggled to find his grounds and bring in his ‘A’ game like he did during his time at Atletico Madrid and Arsenal.
Thomas Partey has been on the wanted list of Saudi clubs for years now and many believe he won’t exceed this season at Villarreal as it is very clear he isn’t in the manager’s plans at the moment.
He will hope to make the Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the summer.
