The Irish Football Federation (FAI) surprised by announcing this Wednesday the Icelander’s appointment Heimir Hallgrímsson as his new national coach, after eight months since he was fired Stephen Kenny.
The choice of Hallgrímsson57 years old, has generated a surprise, because he has not been among the favorites for the position, where the names are as in Neil Lennon, Chris Coleman, Chris Hughton or the Uruguayan Gustavo Poyet.
“It’s an honour. Ireland is, rightly, a proud footballing nation that has consistently produced great players and enjoyed many memorable moments at major international tournaments,” the new coach told the FAI website.
Hallgrímsson directed, in conjunction with Lars Lagerbäckin the Iceland team at Euro 2016, where they reached the quarterfinals after losing England in the eighth.
After that victory, Hallgrímsson He coached the national team for the last two years. Jamaicaa position now abandoned with the Caribbean’s elimination from the Copa América.
Hallgrímsson changing the front of the group Republic of Ireland to John O’Sheawho has held the position of interim coach since the departure of Kenny.
“We have important matches in the Nations League this year and next year is a great qualifying phase for the World Cup,” recalled the Icelander, whose first match will serve to measure the greens against England in Dublin in September, in a Nations League Group F match.
The FAI indicated that Hallgrímsson has been its main candidate since the beginning of 2024, after verifying that his “skills and experience” are aligned with the association’s criteria.
“Heimir “Not only does he have significant experience at the international level in two different countries, but he also has a track record of qualifying for important international tournaments and leading teams to high positions in the FIFA world rankings,” explained of the director of football in an FAI statement, Mark Canham.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
