Mayo were left frustrated after their Connacht Championship defeat to Roscommon, but according to Joe Brolly, the issues run far deeper than just one bad day.
Roscommon powered to a 2-25 to 1-18 win in MacHale Park, outworking and outplaying Mayo to book their place in the Connacht final.
Speaking afterwards, Mayo manager Andy Moran pointed to a lack of intensity and focus from his side.
The players were not on it… not really focused on what they needed to do.
We did not take our opportunities, missed a good goal chance, gave them a goal… it was just disappointing.
Recommended
Andy Moran also stressed that responsibility ultimately lies with the players on the pitch.
The players take to the pitch, they have to lead it.
The simple fact is Roscommon were hungrier for the ball than us and that’s the most disappointing thing for me.
Moran’s comments, along with his suggestion that Mayo are only in year one of a three-year project, have already drawn criticism, and Joe Brolly has now weighed in with a far more cutting assessment.
Joe Brolly Names Six Major Issues For Andy Moran In Mayo Defeat To Roscommon
Writing in the Irish Independent, Joe Brolly outlined six key areas he believes Mayo got badly wrong on the day, and notably according to Brolly, none of them were mentioned by Andy Moran.
He did not mention: (a) lack of defensive organisation, (b) absence of kick-out variation, (c) lack of forward organisation, (d) absence of a plan for attack to defence transition, (e) confusing team selection, or (f) confusing team positioning.
It’s a damning list, and one that suggests systemic issues for Mayo rather than a one-off underperformance.
For Mayo, the Roscommon defeat has raised serious questions about both execution and the direction of the team.
SEE ALSO: Rory Beggan Hails Monaghan Teammate’s Unseen Role In Dramatic Referee U-Turn
SEE ALSO: How The All-Ireland Draw Is Shaping Up Ahead Of New Knockout Format