Hallgrimsson on England clash: 'For us coaches, it's probably not necessary to motivate the players'
On Friday Head An In Heimir Mccarthy/sportsfile The At Press Hallgrimsson Aviva Ireland Dublin At Pic: Conference Stephen Coach Stadium
New Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson insists his job is to curb the excitement, rather than fuel it, ahead of Saturday’s Uefa Nations League opener against England (5pm).
He will inform his squad of the starting team after today’s final training session at Lansdowne Road.
“For us coaches, it is probably not necessary to motivate the players,” said the Icelander about the first competitive meeting with the Auld Enemy in Dublin since 1990.
“It is probably the opposite, to cool them down rather than get excited.
“I’m really excited to see the atmosphere in this massive game against England, to see if we can transfer what we’ve done in training into the pitch.
“Man for man, going gung-ho, we’d probably lose nine times out of 10. It is better being a collective.”
Hallgrimsson, who confirmed a fully fit squad including captain Séamus Coleman sitting beside him, was asked about his Euro 2016 victory over Saturday’s opponents.
He said: “Nothing England tried that night succeeded but they’ve a better quality team now.
“Let’s play our best game and see where it takes us.
“Playing the game in our head, we’ll defend more than attack.
“We need to be really solid and take whatever chances we get.
“This was a short time together but this will be a good camp regardless of the results.” Coleman touched on his former teammate Declan Rice returning in England colours.
“He and Jack Grealish chose what they did and I don’t know what reception they’ll receive,” said the Everton defender.