Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has spoken to midfielder Panutche Camara after the player went public with his frustration over a lack of playing time following the weekend defeat to Celtic.
The Bissau-Guinea international expressed his disappointment on social media, a move that Goodwin described as unnecessary and detrimental to the squad.
Goodwin expresses disappointment
Goodwin said: “It is a little bit disappointing. I spoke to Pan at length about it. He is an experienced player and he should know better. I had conversations with him in the build-up to the game. Obviously, he is disappointed not to be starting. He wants to play regular football and I get that, so does every other member of the squad. I can only pick 11 at the end of the day.”
“I am always very honest with the players and I explain to them what my thought process had been. He was very accepting when I spoke to him last week, so it is very disappointing to see that sort of thing going out there on social media. I don’t think it is necessary or helps the group and we’ve asked all the players to refrain from doing that sort of thing.”
Camara's role and competition
Camara was a key player for United last season but has not been as influential this term. Goodwin challenged him to do his talking on the pitch. “Pan has been a good player for us since he came to the club. He recognises the competition for places in that area of the field. We’ve signed some very good players,” he said.
“Emmanuel Agyei last season was arguably one of the best midfielders in the country in the second half of the season. You saw that again against Celtic what an important player he is for us. Dylan Tait was also one of the best midfielders in the league consistently. There is real competition throughout the midfield. Vicko is there as well.”
“Pan needs to fight for his position in the team and he is no different. It should have been kept in house. People can ask questions and make assumptions of a player being unhappy or unsettled. We are all man enough to have these conversations man to man. I would be disappointed that wasn’t unhappy if they weren’t in the starting team, but at the same time there is a way to go about it. Venting frustration publicly is not what I would recommend to any of my players.”
Derby preparations and squad depth
Camara will face even more competition for the derby with Dylan Tait returning from his cup suspension. Dario Naamo is in a similar position, having to bide his time. Goodwin explained: “Dario just had a couple of little niggles during pre-season. He is back and available. As it stands, we can only pick 20 players in the squad. Dario was fully fit and just unfortunate at the weekend.”
