Heimir Hallgrímsson: ‘When you are lying on the ground you can see who is kicking you’
Ireland football manager Heimir Hallgrímsson discussed the team's recent performance and the psychological challenges faced by players during international fixtures. The team is preparing for future matches, including Euro 2028.
Why it matters
The article highlights the intersection of sports, mental health, and the pressures of international competition in a politically charged environment.
“Political or non-related questions about the football match will not be entertained,” stated Uefa ’s head of communications Brian Orsini before Heimir Hallgrímsson ’s press conference after Ireland ’s 1-1 draw in Backa Topola against Israel. The Uefa official flew into Serbia following heated scenes at the Irish press conference on Saturday.
His presence seemed to have the desired effect, as all was calm in the briefing.
“It felt like a friendly,” said Hallgrímsson. “There were no people watching. There was no spark, especially for players playing their fourth game [in 10 days].
“Six international flights, playing in four countries, and all the things that have been going on ... We needed the same spark that we got in the Aviva for the Austria game.”
Clearly, the high of last Thursday’s 2-2 draw against Austria in front 45,000 fans in Dublin could not be replicated inside an empty stadium.
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