Keogan criticises Cavan players

Donal Keogan claims some Cavan players have attitude problems

Donal Keogan has slammed the attitude of the Cavan team after quitting as Breffni boss on Sunday.

Keogan had decided to step down long before Cavan's campaign ended with a 1-16 to 1-15 by Kildare in an All-Ireland qualifier on Saturday.

"I had my mind made up about three months ago - I just couldn't accept the lack of commitment among the players," Keogan told the Irish News.

"They just didn't want success badly enough and that's why we are out."

He added: "I was fed up with the players' attitude. A lot of them wanted the trappings of an intercounty footballer, but they weren't prepared to put the effort in and work.

"A lot of the Cavan players, though not all of them, have serious attitude problems.

"The ability in the squad is unquestionable, but they don't want it enough. It doesn't hurt them enough when they lose.

Keogan gave an example of what he believes to be the problems facing Cavan.

"After we beat Antrim in the Ulster Championship, about 90% of our fellas exchanged shirts.

I'm the manager and I can't say I improved Cavan in the two years I was there. Donal Keogan

"What does that say about the Cavan jersey? They didn't have enough pride in it.

"The problem with some of these fellas is they think they know it all.

"I don't know what happens to some players in this county after they leave minor level."

But the former Breffni minor manager was admitted he was partly to blame for the team's early exit.

"If you want to achieve success, you have to work for it in any walk of life.

"I would tell the players this, but I just couldn't get through to them, so the buck stops with me.

"I'm the manager and I can't say I improved Cavan in the two years I was there.

"They are around the same level now to where we were when I took the job and that is the most frustrating aspect of it."