New manager Heimir Hallgrimsson surprised by 'how big' Ireland job is
Profile of Ireland managerial job way higher than Heimir Hallgrimsson expected.
Heimir Hallgrimsson has revealed his shock at the degree of scrutiny and pressure that goes with the territory of being Ireland boss.
The former Iceland and Jamaica boss was a shock appointment when the FAI finally ended their seven-month search for Stephen Kenny’s successor - and arrived in Dublin with a low profile. It wasn’t much of a honeymoon. Two games led to two defeats and also some sharp criticism from former manager, Brian Kerr, and 91-times capped midfielder, Glenn Whelan.
Hallgrimsson said: “I probably wasn't ready or aware of how big the job was, how much media there is, how much attention there is. I am not used to it. I haven't been in this environment where there's so much attention. That probably was the thing that surprised me. I have been in Jamaica for two years, before that with Iceland and it was always the same there.
Read more: Analysing the biggest challenge facing new FAI CEO as David Courell appointment confirmed
“You had 10-15 journalists. Here we have all the media; my first match started with England as well which was really big. That surprised me the most.”
And yet he is learning to cope with the demands by staying true to himself.
He said: “I try to be honest with the media every time, I don't like to lie, or tell white lies, I don't need to remember what I said the last time, I always try to be honest, I have always had a good relationship with the media, but in this environment you always need to be careful.
“If you are honest, you have the honesty, it might get into your face at some point. But that's just how I am.”
And yet despite the intensity of the scrutiny, Hallgrimsson has no plans to move to England or to be based back in his native Iceland, out of respect for his position.
He said: “Yes, you could avoid attention if you were living somewhere else but it's my decision to be here as much as I can. Obviously it's tricky when most of the players play in England, for example. If you want to avoid the attention, it is probably better to be somewhere that you cannot be found.
“But I will be based here because I feel it is good to be in the country, learning the culture, meeting the people, talking football. I will watch more of the League of Ireland when the season starts next February.
“It is an important of being a national team coach to be seen.
“But now it’s about work, it’s not to be seen and learning other things. I need to prioritise my time.”
That was what he did last weekend, watching the game between Plymouth and Luton, chatting afterwards to Michael Obafemi and Mark McGuinness.
Then he was off on a flight to Newcastle before he drove down to Middlesbrough to watch their Championship game against Stoke.
Next came a drive to Ipswich to see their draw against Aston Villa. The following day he was at Charlton's training ground to meet their Irish contingent.
He said: “It just reinforced that I did the right thing, initially, to watch players, more players on the app, seeing maybe three, four, or five games a day, than going to see one game a day and the good thing is that we have John (O’Shea, his No2) doing many matches, almost one match per day.
“He's going to see one player or two players playing and then Paddy (McCarthy, his first-team coach) is in the Premiership so he is seeing and analysing these players playing there.
“We have a good working method of trying to cover as much as we can.”
That will be put to the test this week when Ireland meet Finland, Hallgrimsson insisting he does not feel under pressure from the Kerr/Whelan scrutiny.
Hallgrimsson said: “I don’t read social media or a lot of media also, what other people say, I wouldn’t know that Brian Kerr, Whelan and whatever they say. I’m not that bothered, I’m focused around my time and what should be done.
“I don’t sense from others that Irish football is in a crisis. I have a plan that I am sticking to, a plan geared towards being an underdog team - on paper at least.
“That is the plan I’m sticking to no matter what other people say, or criticism I have. When you are in this situation, you cannot jump from right to left just because you have some opinions from someone else. You need to stick to what you think is right and continue on working on that.”
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
