On Tuesday morning, the Olympic and Paralympic banners were seen being removed from the lampposts surrounding Abbotstown. This concluded the “Paris Ready” and “Paris Starts Here” campaigns that had been running since the start of summer. With the onset of autumn, which painted the paths of the National Sports Campus with hues of burnt orange and rusted crimson, the time had come to shift focus away from the Games.
However, this shift proved to be a challenging assignment for the Ireland international men’s football team. Over the last 24 months, the only rival teams they have managed to defeat in the competitive matches were Gibraltar. Looking at the Nations League history, the record isn’t impressive either with just two victories (over Scotland and Armenia), coupled with 10 losses and six draws.
Heimir Hallgrímsson’s tenure as the head has kicked off with consecutive 2-0 losses in the competition – against England and Greece. On Tuesday, the team assembled in Abbotstown for a training session in preparation for this week’s away matches – versus Finland on Thursday and Greece on Sunday.
Hallgrímsson, in his efforts to steer change, has made six alterations to his squad from the previous international window, introducing uncapped players Jack Taylor and Mark McGuinness while excluding some well-known names such as Matt Doherty, Callum Robinson, Jake O’Brien, and Alan Browne.
Hallgrímsson wants to establish his own version of the team, rather than persisting with a side heavily influenced by the recent past. The question, however, remains if this team will be ready for Helsinki and Athens.
John O’Shea, the assistant manager contented that while some might see this move as daring, it is necessary for the group’s progress. He stressed the need for a competitive, steady squad and maintained that achieving a balance should be the priority in the upcoming games.
Considering the age and experience levels of potential players, are they prepared to step up and demonstrate they are a key part of the team for the next half-decade, if not more? This is a vital question that needs addressing.
Hallgrímsson is faced with the tricky task of integrating new talent into the team whilst also securing positive outcomes in games.
“The length of my involvement with Irish teams, as a player, coach and during training sessions, exceeds 27 years and a bit,” remarked O’Shea. “Each individual who joins has no intention of underperforming. They enter with the drive to make a difference for Ireland.
Every team member aspires to perform well, to be victorious in matches. There will undoubtedly be periods of struggle, which can only be overcome through unity, determination and ensuring everyone in the squad remains committed to working towards Irish victories.
Overcoming such periods requires a foundation of hard work, mastering the fundamentals before adding more complex strategies over time.
Accomplishing this swiftly can lead to a gradual shift in momentum, securing necessary wins and positive outcomes. However, the most crucial aspect is getting the performance standards right.
Obtaining a successful outcome is always the major goal, since it makes the largest impact. If a concept is being introduced whilst maintaining a balance is also essential, as is striving towards a victory.
Approaching these matches with a keen desire to win and displaying the strategy we aim to use to secure these victories is our plan.
Striking that equilibrium is crucial although any coach or manager might state that the overall outcome is the most important. If your question is whether, given a choice, we would play poorly and defeat Finland, the answer is yes. It’s pretty straightforward.”
Hallgrímsson absolutely deserves a grace period to make his imprint on the squad, to choose the best player for the starting 11 that will convey his strategy on the field. However, it’s also essential to halt the losing streak soon.
O’Shea accentuates the continued importance of being triumphant in matches, while also experimenting with fresh strategies and quick comprehension. He notes the urgency of this approach, considering the uncertainty of its possibility in the coming year. He emphasises not only finding equilibrium but also making progress.
The focus swiftly shifts to Finland as the next destination. The readiness of Helsinki remains to be seen until Thursday.