Heimir Hallgrimmson’s first game as Ireland manager started with a memorable defeat, as Declan Rice and Jack Grealish put a dire Ireland to the sword.
Given the strange circumstances in which he was given the job, most pundits seems happy enough to the Icelandic manager a mulligan, so good were the opposition.
However there was some criticism for Halgrimmson, via ITV’s live broadcast.
Just as Jordan Pickford collected a long ball that was hoofed over the top by Ireland in the second half, former England international Andros Townsend took the opportunity to take a swipe at Ireland’s style of play and new manager.
“From watching Jamaica, I’m not sure how anyone looked at it and thought he’s the right man for the job”
Halgrímsson’s time as Jamaica manager ended early this summer following a number of poor performances in the Concacaf Gold Cup.
Townsend is one of the best young pundits in England, and he is of Jamaican heritage so he likely has a better grip on Hellgrímsson’s time with Jamaica than most people in Ireland.
Those are damning comments especially given its his first game in charge but after watching Ireland have 31% possession and 1 shot on target the former Spurs man wasn’t holding back.
When asked by Tony O’Donoghue what disappointed him most about the performance, Halgrímsson said:
“The lack of initiative maybe and the lack of confidence, we were passive and didn’t anticipate or take the two or three steps needed in defence and once we had the chance to cross or shoot we didn’t take it.”
Caoimhín Kelleher prevented the scoreline getting worse with seven saves including a particularly spectacular right handed save to stop Bukayo Saka’s effort reaching the top corner. It was the opener from Declan Rice which annoyed Heimir most.
“At any level of football you would be unhappy with conceding a goal like this, a pass through the heart of the team.”
Post-match Shay Given made the point that football management is a ruthless business.
“The thing in modern day football is you don’t get much time at all, Hallgrímsson will get judged on Tuesday night if it’s a bad result people will be asking is he the right person for the job that’s how cutthroat management is.”
Should Ireland prove as woeful against Greece, the sympathy will be in short supply.
England are 54 places ahead of Ireland in the Fifa world rankings and Harry Kane has scored 44 more international goals than Ireland’s starting 11 combined. Perspective is needed for Heimir Hallgrimsson.