Former Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has criticised Villarreal coach Marcelino GarcÃa Toral for disparaging Thomas Partey, calling the remarks unnecessarily harsh and unfair.
The controversy follows Villarreal’s 3–0 UEFA Champions League defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, where Marcelino questioned Partey’s performances since his free transfer from Arsenal last summer.
Speaking on Akoma 87.9 FM, Badu expressed surprise at the tone of Marcelino’s comments and the public comparison with Partey’s Premier League form.
“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,” Badu said.
Badu added that Marcelino “went too hard on him and should not have made those comments.”
“I believe Thomas Partey will come back stronger. We must continue to support him and keep him in our prayers,” he concluded.
Marcelino suggested there was “a world of difference between the Thomas we knew at Arsenal and this one,” adding that the 32‑year-old midfielder has struggled to adapt to the pace demanded in modern football.
He further implied that six months at the club should have been enough for Partey to prove himself, a statement widely interpreted as a critique of the Ghana international’s consistency.
Partey has struggled for regular impact at Villarreal, featuring in 21 games across all competitions and being substituted at halftime against Leverkusen.
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