Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson says the criticism he has faced since September's defeat to Armenia "disappoints and hurts" but he has "no regrets" about his time in the job.
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson says the criticism he has faced since September's defeat to Armenia "disappoints and hurts" but he has "no regrets" about his time in the job.
That 2-1 loss in Yerevan followed a 2-2 home draw against Hungary, leaving Hallgrimsson's side joint bottom of Group F with a single point.
His team has the opportunity for redemption against Armenia in the return fixture in Dublin on 14 October, but three days earlier they face a trip to take on group favourites Portugal.
Despite the criticism levelled at the Irish squad for their slow start to World Cup qualifying, Hallgrimsson retains faith in his players and is backing them to turn things around.
"It was, hopefully, a one-off in Armenia," he said at Thursday's news conference when he announced his squad for both fixtures.
"We've had a project on our hands and were feeling really good about it until Armenia. Should we make one game affect what we are doing and how we are working? Absolutely not. We will continue to have belief in the squad and continue with our work.
"The players will relish this camp to answer for Armenia and I would like to give them the chance. That is one of the reasons why we believe in this squad, as they have the quality to qualify for the US (Canada and Mexico) next summer."
'World Cup qualification far from over'
Hallgrimsson was assistant coach of Iceland when they reached the quarter-finals of the 2016 European Championships, while he took full control of his home nation when they qualified for the 2018 World Cup.
He is confident the Republic of Ireland have the quality to reach major tournaments and says hopes of qualification for next year's World Cup is "far from over".
"I've had squads with less individual quality qualify for a World Cup and Euros," he said.
"I can understand if people are fed up having expectations and not succeeding in them, but it's far from being over. We need good performances in this camp and just three points will keep us alive until November.
"Second place can go down to goal difference, so it's not over and nobody should be disappointed at this stage."
Category: General Sports
