Warren Gatland Finally Respond’s To Sean O’Brien’s Criticism Of Him & Lions Coaching Staff
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Warren Gatland has responded to Sean O’Brien’s now infamous comments.
The Leinster and Ireland back-row created many a headline last month after he laid bare his feelings towards the 2017 Lions tour of New Zealand and how it was managed. O’Brien criticised the coaches, including Gatland, and feels they should have won the series.
Gatland himself has remained quiet up until now, at is seems he’s not prepared to take O’Brien on over the comments. At least not in public.
“I left a message with Sean, he text me last week saying he’d just cleared his voicemail and I text him back saying he was more than welcome to give me a call at any stage.” Gatland told Sky Sports
Let’s be clear here. He had a great series, a fantastic tour, was brilliant in the way he played and says he was in the best shape of his life.
But he didn’t train with us in the first week and had one session with us in the second week on tour because he was recovering from injury.
So for him to be in the best shape of his life we must have done something right on tour. Because he kept his body together, there’s no doubt he played exceptionally well. Unfortunately he picked up an injury in the third Test and had to come off at half-time. I just thought he was outstanding on tour.
In terms of the comments O’Brien made about attack coach Rob Howley and how he was unable to impose himself. Gatland reckons O’Brien has inadvertedly complimented his assistant.
In terms of the attack stuff I look at that as a compliment.
When you have experienced players in the squad part of good coaching is allowing them to take ownership and responsibility.
In a roundabout way he’s given Rob Howley a compliment.