Mick McDermott says it’s “ludicrous” to suggest Glentoran are a club in crisis in the wake of a faltering run of form and last Saturday’s heavy 4-0 defeat to Crusaders.
The Oval boss also insists his players are fully committed to the badge and have the quality and character to bounce back in Friday night’s derby with Linfield at Windsor Park.
Last week’s dispiriting loss to the Crues in East Belfast was greeted by boos from a section of supporters and McDermott has also received flak online and in the media.
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But speaking on Glentoran’s YouTube channel, the Glens manager said: “I find it strange that, apparently, we are a club in turmoil.
“We beat Carrick by whatever the score was (6-2) and we were delighted. One week later we lost 4-0 and now the players aren't playing for the shirt and they’re a disgrace..
“I’ve never heard anything more ridiculous in my life. We’ll keep going. Our players are committed to playing for Glentoran and they’ve shown that over 99.9 percent of this season.
“For a few to come out and slaughter the players and slaughter the club after one performance in one game, I find it ridiculous.
“Yes, it was 4-0 (against Crusaders). Are we disappointed? Yes. Was it a performance that we expected? No.
“Does it mean we have turned into a bad team? Absolutely not. Ludicrous.”
Last Saturday’s defeat to Crusaders leaves Glentoran’s title hopes hanging by a thread heading into the last four games of the campaign.
With time running out, the Ovalmen - who have taken just 10 points from their last seven league games - lie five points off Cliftonville and six below leaders Linfield at the summit.
In contrast, David Healy’s Blues are in a rich vein of form, taking 19 points from a possible 21 since suffering a 1-0 defeat to the Glens at the BetMcLean Oval in February.
“They are in good form and picked up results when people expected them not to,” said McDermott.
“They have also got some late results which again is a credit to their resilience in continuing to fight for 95 minutes, but we are also a good team and we’re ready.
“This is my third season here and we’ve had some cracking games (with Linfield) and you can never really tell which way they’ll go.
“I do think form goes out the window a little bit in a derby. We’ve won a few, we’ve lost a couple and we’ve drawn a couple, so they have been great battles and it’s a credit to both teams.”
Friday night’s Big Two derby has a 7.45pm kick-off.
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