Damian Spellman, PA
John O’Shea insisted “the boss is the boss” amid suggestions he was still in charge of the Republic of Ireland.
Former Iceland co-manager Heimir Hallgrimsson was appointed as Stephen Kenny’s successor in July after 118-times-capped O’Shea – since named as assistant head coach – stood in as caretaker for four games in the wake of Stephen Kenny’s departure in November.
However, Hallgrimsson’s comments after Saturday’s 2-0 Nations League defeat by England at the Aviva Stadium, in which he indicated that he had leaned heavily on O’Shea and assist coach Paddy McCarthy in his team selection and tactics, have been interpreted in certain quarters as meaning he is not yet in full charge.
Asked why it was he and not Hallgrimsson, who was conducting the pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Greece, the perplexed former Manchester United defender said: “It’s very simple.
“This plan was in place beforehand and it’s obviously to give the boss as much time in terms of preparation, the quick turn-around in the games. That was always the case so there is no change in anything.”
Asked if there was a risk the players might be confused, O’Shea added: “Totally no fear at all. The boss is the boss and there are clear lines on that.
“It’s clear. I’m the assistant. I don’t know why there has to be this constant…the boss is the boss, it’s very simple. The players know that.”
Hallgrimsson and his staff had only a matter of days to work with the players before the England game and saw their side beaten comprehensively by a team ranked fourth in the world.
But for goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, the margin of defeat might have been greater and he knows a general improvement is necessary if he and his team-mates are to fare better against the Greeks.
Kelleher said: “I had a few saves to make and stuff, and thankfully I was able to help the team. Obviously, personally for me, it’s not about that, it’s about the team and getting the right result for the country.
“Personally (I was) happy with my own performance, but I think we definitely need to improve as a team and it’s a big game on Tuesday.”
Ireland and Greece, who are separated by four places in FIFA’s raking table – which places them at 58th and 54th respectively – are familiar foes after meeting during the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with the Greeks, then managed by Gus Poyet, taking all six points.
Serbian Ivan Jovanovic is now at the helm and led his side to a 3-0 home victory over Finland at the weekend to demonstrate their continuing potency.
O’Shea added: “It’s great in a sense that the lads will hopefully have that bit of knowledge to know that there is no underestimation of this Greece team now. They know they are a very good team, so the levels will have to be increased.”
