Martinez Losa: Criticism of women’s game ‘crossing a line’
Scotland Women boss Pedro Martinez Losa believes criticism of the women’s game has ‘crossed a line’ following social media comments made by Joey Barton at the weekend.
Speaking ahead of his team’s Euro 2025 qualifiers this month, the Spaniard was asked for his thoughts on the former England midfielder’s blast at women’s football in the aftermath of the Skysportscupfinalon Sunday, which saw Barton take aim at teenage Partick Thistle goalkeeper Ava Easdon after Rangers scored the opening goal against Thistle.
“For me, the progress and the visibility of the game can cause this...i have seen this before,” said Martinez Losa. “I will not go into who said what but I think we have to focus on supportingtheplayer.she’sareally talented player.
“Wehaveascenariowherewe seethewrongsnow,butwealso see the scenario with Emma Watson, Kirsty Mclean and emergingtalentlikemiamcauley. We have to work with them tomakesurethepeoplearound them, the managers, clubs and structures protect them.
“We have to consider that when you play a final you are subject to criticism but when we are talking about under-18 players, we have to be really careful and there are lines that should never be crossed.”
Martinez Losa’s Scotland side face a double header against Serbia and Slovakiaatthebeginning of next month and he hinted that he had atemptationtoinclude16-yearold Rangers talent Mcauley in his squad after her 15th goal of the season opened the scoring in the 4-1 Sky Sports Cup final win over Partick on Sunday.
The Spaniard explained how his experience with England Lionesses superstars Lauren James and Chloe Kelly helps him to decide when a player is readyfortheinternationalbow.
“It is always a challenge,” he said. “Emma (Watson) is a very
mature player, for example. You don't feel you’re talking to a 17-year-old.
“The first thing they have to do is prove they are ready to train, in terms of football. I had this exact same scenario with Lauren James when she was 14-years-old (during his time as Arsenal manager), Chloe Kelly and many others. I feel I have plenty of experience with this.
“Every player is different. You start having signs that a player is ready when they are consistent
in their performances and the level she plays day to day.
“The second sign is to have a chat with people who work with them in the day to day.
“Lauren James was the best player playing with the youth 17s and 19s at Arsenal when she was 14. That is a sign of maybe we should bring her in to see.
“The example of Emma Watson was clear. She looked like she had been playing in the national team forever. But not all players are like that – it isn’t
normal, they normally need more time.”
Scotland Women begin their Euro 2025 qualifiers with an away clash against Serbia on April 5 before they return to Hampden Park to take on Slovakia four days later.
Scotland squad: Jenna Fife, Lee Gibson, Sandy Maciver, Jenna Clark, Rachel Corsie, Nicola Docherty, Leah Eddie, Sophie Howard, Kirsty Smith, Fiona Brown, Chelsea Cornet, Erin Cuthbert, Lisa Evans, Christy Grimshaw, Sam Kerr, Hayley Lauder, Jamie-lee Napier, Amy Rodgers, Lauren Davidson, Claire Emslie, Sarah Ewens, Amy Gallacher, Jane Ross.