The choice of Heimir Hallgrímsson, Iceland’s former coach, as the head coach for the Republic of Ireland is likely to lead to a more stable period for the team, states his ex-partner in coaching, Lars Lagerbäck. The pair had a successful chapter in Iceland’s football history, taking the country to the Euro 2016 quarter-finals, where they were victorious over England. Hallgrímsson also led Iceland to their inaugural World Cup in 2018, proving his worth as a coach.
Lagerbäck is of the view that Hallgrímsson will introduce an effective, clear strategy to the Irish team. Their former collaboration was marked by the creation of a well-organised team and, according to Lagerbäck, this is a method Hallgrímsson will continue. Key to his approach is the players understanding their roles, a factor Lagerbäck believes will be prioritized by Hallgrímsson.
While previously managing Jamaica, Hallgrímsson led them to the Copa America finals, from which they exited in the group stage. From Lagerbäck’s perspective, he expects Hallgrímsson to continue valuing ‘passing football’, adapting his tactics to the team’s strengths in contrast to the opposition. Reflecting on Hallgrímsson’s tenure with Jamaica, Lagerbäck believes that there is a minimal chance that Hallgrímsson would instigate a populist approach to football.
Hallgrímsson’s maiden task in his new role will see him pitted against England in the Nations League on 7th September at the Aviva Stadium. However, having previously led Iceland to defeat them, Lagerbäck is confident that Hallgrímsson will not be dismissed by this challenge.
His breadth of knowledge in international football is immense, already. In my view, his association with Ireland is a positive move and I anticipate favourable outcomes,” he expressed.
When pondered on the possibility of lending aiding his old mate if requested, the septuagenarian Lagerbäck responded with a chuckle.
“I sincerely believe that the likelihood of such a request is quite minuscule as he certainly factors in my advanced years. As such, I expect that query will likely persist as a hypothetical one,” he conveyed.
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