Figure 7.2 Strained relations between
captain and manager. Roy Keane and
Mick McCarthy shake hands but avoid
eye-contact
Source: courtesy of Inpho PhotographyDespite this coolness between the captain and the manager, the team had played very
well in qualifying for the World Cup finals. But the relationship between these men
changed dramatically in Saipan when Roy Keane gave a controversial interview to a
journalist in which he criticised both the training facilities and preparation methods of the
Irish squad.
Following this interview, he was summoned to attend a “clear the air” meeting with
McCarthy and the rest of the players. At this meeting, Keane not only questioned the
adequacy of the Irish team’s facilities (citing a lack of training gear and footballs as well
as deficient medical support) but also publicly rebuked his manager in a vitriolic speech.
Not surprisingly, this speech and its consequences attracted media coverage around the
world. More significantly, it raised a debate about an important psychological issue—
namely, whether or not one player’s striving for perfection can impede the progress of the
team. For the manager (and some of the team’s senior players), Keane’s speech was
inexcusable and had to be punished by instant dismissal from the rest of the tournament.
This is precisely what happened. Unfortunately, as no physical injury had been involved
in prompting Keane’s departure, the dismissal left the Ireland squad one player short of
the quota permitted by the World Cup organisers. It also left the players emotionally
drained by the shock of losing their captain in such highly controversial circumstances.
Exploring team cohesion in sport: a critical perspective 189