Former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has hit back at Villarreal coach Marcelino García Toral’s recent comments about Ghana international Thomas Partey, calling the remarks unnecessarily harsh and unfair.
The controversy started after Villarreal’s 3–0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League.
Marcelino publicly criticised Partey’s performances since joining the Spanish club last summer.
He said there is “a world of difference between the Thomas we knew at Arsenal and this one,” and added that playing at the pace required in modern football has been a challenge for the 32‑year‑old midfielder.
Marcelino also noted that six months at the club was sufficient for the Ghanaian midfielder to show his capabilities: a thinly veiled suggestion that Partey has fallen short of expectations.
Partey, who arrived at Villarreal on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with Arsenal in August, has struggled for consistent playing time and impact this season, making 21 appearances across all competitions and being substituted at halftime against Leverkusen.
Reacting to this on Akoma FM 87.9MHz, Agyemang-Badu expressed surprise at Marcelino’s tone and public comparison with Partey’s Premier League days.
“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.”
The former Udinese midfielder added that the coach “went too hard on him and should not have made those comments,” and urged both media and fans to rally behind Partey rather than contribute to negativity around his name.
The former U-29 World Cup star emphasised Partey’s importance to Ghana’s national team, especially with the upcoming FIFA World Cup campaign:
“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.”
By Emmanuel Owusu|Akoma Sports|Onuaonline.com|Ghana
