Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson meets the fans

Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson meets the fans - The Best Bits

Aug 22 2024

Republic of Ireland Head Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson was in great form last night at the Fans Forum when he met supporters for the very first time since his appointment and ahead of the start of the UEFA Nations League campaign.

You can watch the best bits on FAI TV above and below, we've picked out five of the best quotes from the evening.

1. On style of play: "Ireland are similar to Iceland. My first impression is the players have a really, good character, if maybe a little too nice... Sometimes you need a b****rd in your team."

2. On the squad and coaching staff advice: "This squad will be based mostly on their opinion. As time goes on, I’ll take over more of the selection.

3. Facing England: "The odds are on England. They are the second-best team in Europe. Their winning game ratio is unbelievable. I’ve a 100 per cent record against England. I’m going to keep that. If you are prepared, organised, you can always win. That is what we hope to do here against England. It is always good to play the best. The worst thing that can happen, they expose your weakness but that is not going to happen."

4. Being an underdog: "As underdog, you need to be pragmatic, to be good at five out of 10 things, rather than semi-good at seven out of ten. You try and win games on your strengths."

5. Leaving it in a better place: "I always say, leave your shirt in a better place. Stephen Kenny did a lot of good things, left his shirt in a better place. Even if I stay a week. I believe the same."