Mick McCarthy has admitted his Republic of Ireland side avoided their ‘worst result in a long, long time’ as they scraped past Gibraltar in his first game back as manager on Saturday.
Jeff Hendrick’s first-half strike ensured the Republic started their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign in the best possible fashion, but it was a laboured display from the Irish on the Iberian Peninsula.
And McCarthy, who previously captained the nation during his playing days, says he was just happy to come away from a ‘horrible’ game with all three points.
3
McCarthy’s second debut as Ireland manager was not a match for the neutrals
Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, he said: “It was great to be back, but the game was horrible.
“We were playing on a plastic pitch to start with.
LATEST FOOTBALL NEWS
“I don’t like them whatsoever, and I’m sure that’s the same with my players.
“We’re then stuck between a rock and a runway, not a rock and a hard place.
“The conditions were just awful, the wind was all over the place.
“These type of games are just not enjoyable.
3
Ireland’s match winner Jeff Hendrick celebrates with the travelling fans at the final whistle after the win against Gibraltar
“A win is a win at the end of the day.
“In all honesty, we could’ve had our worst result in a long, long time, so it was very much job done from our point of view.”
McCarthy likened his side’s task in Spain to that of a non-league outfit eyeing a giant killing against one of England’s big sides in the Cup.
He added: “You ask any Premier League side who goes to a non-league side in the FA Cup if they really, hand on heart, enjoy it?
LIVE on talkSPORT
There are six live commentaries across the talkSPORT network this week. Find out what they are and where to hear them, below...
- Montenegro vs England (Monday) – talkSPORT
- France vs Iceland (Monday) – talkSPORT 2
- Czech Republic vs Brazil (Tuesday) – talkSPORT 2
- West Brom vs Birmingham (Friday) – talkSPORT 2
- West Ham vs Everton (Saturday) – talkSPORT
- Portsmouth vs Sunderland (Sunday) – talkSPORT 2
“It’s an even worse feeling when they get knocked out – but luckily we got the job done.
“They [Gibraltar] contributed to the game, they’re an athletic side who battled hard for each other.
“I’d have taken 1-0 before going on the plane to Gibraltar though all day long.”
Next up for McCarthy and co. is the visit of Georgia at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night, with a bumper crowd expected for the 60-year-old’s homecoming in Dublin.
3
McCarthy agreed to become Ireland manager until after Euro 2020, when he will be replaced by Stephen Kenny
“It’s going to be a big crowd, so we’re hoping to get another three points on the board,” he said.
“I’m loving being back in the manager’s hot seat, working with lads on the coaching field and managing them.
“It is of course extra special to be back with the FAI.”
Virgil van Dijk is ready to commit his long-term future to Liverpool and sign a new contract with the club. Despite having four years remaining on his current deal, the Dutch defender has told the Anfield hierarchy he is ready to sign an extension after helping the club to their sixth European Cup with victory over Tottenham in the Champions League final.
Virgil van Dijk 'keen to commit' future to Liverpool by
Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Real Madrid to sign Hazard but Pogba move could be scrapped Chelsea have lowered the asking price on Eden Hazard in order to get ahead of the The likes of
Real Madrid fans vote for top transfer signings with Hazard
Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez are at the centre of a dressing room row over the huge amounts they are paid for scoring and setting up goals.. The Manchester United duo are on lucrative contracts
Manchester United stars Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez at
Bolton Wanderers chairman Ken Anderson has told staff he has an agreement in principle to sell the club and the deal could be completed within 48 hours. Anderson reached the same stage in February
Bolton Wanderers latest: Chairman Ken Anderson tells staff
Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling has been named Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year the day after picking up the PFA's Young Player award. Sterling has
Raheem Sterling and Nikita Parris voted FWA Footballers of
Hull City have launched an appeal against a Football Association charge of failing to control their players in the Premier League clash with fellow strugglers Leicester City earlier this month.
Arsenal hit with FA charge from Leicester loss
Apr 08, 2019 · Liverpool manager Jûrgen Klopp hailed his side's development in Europe ahead of the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Porto.. Speaking ahead of the match at Anfield, he
Jurgen Klopp hails Liverpool's 'incredible' development as he
Manchester City: Spanish media claim up to EIGHT City stars have asked to leave in the summer, including Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus Spanish media are reporting Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus are just two of eight Manchester City
Sane, Jesus and EIGHT Man City players demand transfer after
Liverpool 2019/20 home shirt: Do leaked images show last ever design by New Balance ahead of potential move to Nike? by: 161385360554578 — Talk Sport 15 Apr Liverpool have become the latest Premier League side to have images of their new shirt for next season leaked Pictures of a possible 2019/20 New Balance kit have surfaced and it giving us
Liverpool 2019/20 goalkeeper shirt: Leaked images of New
Targeted Tottenham transfer news: Spurs 'ready to offload Kieran Trippier and Serge Aurier' as they target Crystal Palace full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Report: Tottenham Hotspur ready to offload Kieran Trippier
Football gossip: Barcelona to make move for Rashford Manchester United have made a breakthrough with Marcus Rashford's contract situation, with the 21-year-old reportedly edging closer to
Transfer news, rumours LIVE: Arsenal, Liverpool FC, Chelsea
Britain's richest man Jim Ratcliffe closing in on buying French club amid Chelsea links. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been heavily linked with Chelsea but has now lodged a bid of £90m+ to buy a French side
Jim Ratcliffe: Britain's Richest Man Reveals Interest in
Benfica B were asked by Liverpool to mimic Tottenham's tactics in a friendly to help them prepare for the Champions League final. The Reds spent a week in Marbella to prepare for the final, which they won 2-0 in Madrid. The trip was used to keep fitness levels up and get used to the heat in Spain prior to the match.
Liverpool asked Benfica B to mirror Tottenham's tactics and
0 comments:
Post a Comment