Coach Hallgrimsson: Ireland’s tough fortnight a ‘defining moment’
· Yahoo Sports
Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson believes Ireland will look back at their extremely challenging fortnight as a “defining moment” in their history.
Ireland's behind-closed-doors Nations League "home" clash with Israel in Backa Topola, Serbia ended in a 1-1 draw, also bringing to a close an international window mired in controversy surrounding the two Israel fixtures.
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Hallgrimsson did not want to comment on a half-time confrontation, after which it is understood a member of his backroom staff alleged he was spat at by an Israel player – something the Icelandic boss said was better left to a disciplinary committee.
“I will 100% say this team is stronger,” said Hallgrimsson. “The bonding between players has grown so much. It is in these times leaders are born.
“In these times, you find out who are your true friends, who you trust. Even though it has been tough on us all, I think we will look back to these two weeks and say this was a defining moment for us, and every problem from now on will seem lesser than what we would have seen two weeks ago.
“I think that is a gain from all of this, and I think we need to look positive on a negative two weeks.
“We need now some time to reflect and go forward. It’s also the best time to find your enemies when you’re lying on the ground and people are kicking you. It’s easy to see who was trying to kick you.”
Troy Parrott’s penalty fired Ireland in front in the 39th minute at the TSC arena, but it was cancelled out by Dor Peretz two minutes after the restart and both sides lacked finishing quality.
The goals came on either side of the half-time confrontation in front of the tunnel, where the alleged incident occurred.
Hallgrimsson later told RTE he felt Israel’s “intention” was to “intimidate us and make us do something stupid”.
Israel manager Ran Ben-Shimon, speaking in his post-match press conference, said he did not witness the fracas as he was already in the dressing room and none of his players had spoken to him about it.
The Israeli Football Association also declined to comment.
It was the latest in a long line of on and off-pitch issues during a tumultuous window which, Hallgrimsson said on Saturday, had affected player welfare.
His own pre-match press conference was cut short after an argument involving two Israeli journalists, who the Press Association understands were banned from both of Sunday’s post-match press conferences.
The fortnight began with a disappointing loss to Kosovo, and ended with what Hallgrimsson felt was a contest that never found flight, at least partially, he posited, due to the lack of crowds.
“It was like a pre-season club friendly,” he said. “There was no spark in the game. It was difficult to motivate, especially for players who are now playing their fourth game.
“Six international flights for us, four countries, plus all the things that have been going on. We should have done better and killed the game off.”