Joao Palhinha defends performance amid Carragher’s criticism
Tottenham’s Joao Palhinha has launched a fierce defence of his performances whilst dismissing television punditry as “embarrassing” following Jamie Carragher’s recent criticism of his playing ability, reports BritPanorama.
The Portuguese midfielder, currently on loan from Bayern Munich, responded defiantly to the former Liverpool defender’s assessment that he lacked the necessary quality for a top Premier League side ahead of the North London Derby.
“I saw it because some people sent it to me, I can’t say I didn’t see it,” Palhinha stated. “I don’t care what the people say.” The 30-year-old added, “It makes it a bit embarrassing seeing sometimes the ex-players speaking that way. They speak and they look sometimes like superstars on their past, I don’t have problems to say.”
Carragher’s criticism emerged during Sky Sports’ analysis following Tottenham’s home defeat to Chelsea earlier this month. The former England defender claimed: “Palhinha hasn’t got the quality” and highlighted a specific moment where the midfielder took “five touches because he hasn’t got the confidence or the ability.” He concluded, “For a player playing for Tottenham in central midfield, for me, that’s a pass you have to be able to make. He can’t make it.”
Palhinha drew parallels with Carragher’s previous criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo, noting: “If he speaks bad things about Ronaldo, he can speak about everyone.” He insisted that Carragher should have watched more of his matches at Tottenham, asserting, “I think I am doing a top season.”
The midfielder has pointed to his impressive statistics this season as evidence against Carragher’s assessment, featuring in every match under Thomas Frank’s management and netting four times in eighteen appearances. His goals have included a crucial strike in Tottenham’s victory at Manchester City and a late equaliser against Wolves. Notably, he found the net against Copenhagen shortly after Carragher’s televised criticism.
Palhinha also spoke on Tottenham’s prospects in the crucial North London derby at the Emirates Stadium, saying, “We are really motivated and have everything to reach a good result.” He acknowledged Arsenal’s impressive form while suggesting the hosts face greater pressure. “When you have these teams that are in the top moment, top form, I think the pressure is probably more on their side than us,” he explained.
Tottenham enters the derby with an unblemished away record in the Premier League this campaign, accumulating 13 points on their travels—more than any other top-flight team. Palhinha concluded, “We don’t want to draw, we just want to focus on the victory.”
As the teams prepare for today’s match, Palhinha’s confidence juxtaposes the scrutiny he faces. It is a reminder that in sport, even amidst the noise of criticism, players must channel their focus into performance—a task that holds both pressure and promise.
