The Republic of Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said during today's press conference on the match with Bulgaria that his initial assessment of Thursday's victory was harsher than it should have been. The second viewing of the match, now much calmer, convinced the Irish manager that his players controlled the second half well. He himself was much more confident this time, apparently also because of the home team coming after a lead from Bulgaria.
Immediately after the match in Plovdiv, Hallgrimsson expressed the opinion that his team was "too passive" after the break and allowed Bulgaria to get back into the match. However, he now corrected himself and added that they did what was necessary to limit the hosts' attempts.
I've always been too emotional and that's why I don't like to talk to the players after the games. I like to analyze the game before talking to them. So it was probably a bit more emotion,” said Hallgrimsson when asked how he would improve on that passive aspect of the performance in Plovdiv.
"When I watched the game on TV, even though we gave them a bit more possession, there was never any danger of them creating anything scary for our goal," the Icelander assured.
The Irish team go into Sunday's second leg with a 2-1 advantage as they look to cement their status as League B in the Nations League, and the manager was happy to report that the team is in good health ahead of the match.
"The doctor came into the coaching room this morning and said everyone is fit and ready to play. It's the first time that's happened since I've been the coach here," said Hallgrimsson. “I think it's a good sign for us that everyone wants to be a part of this game“.
But definitely the positive outcome in Plovdiv came because of the quick turnaround after Marin Petkov gave the Lions the lead in the 5th minute.
“I'm glad that we're improving in certain areas. In others, not so much, but when we go to the finals, whenever that is, hopefully next summer, we have to be perfect in these areas. Sometimes against good opponents you don't have the ball and you can't do anything about it. You have to be compact and solid“, the coach also explains, considering how important constant correct movement without the ball is.
“We did that against Bulgaria - we gave them a little initiative, we went a little deeper into the field, but we still played the second half. And when we watched the game, we confirmed that opinion“.
Hallgrimsson added that at half-time he had a sharper conversation with team captain Nathan Collins, who demonstrated a rather relaxed attitude before the break. I told him that he should take into account the pitch and not underestimate situations. We did not have such a problem in the second half.
Asked what reaction he expects from the Bulgarians, who do not have many options other than a win, he replied: "The normal reaction of any team that has a one-goal deficit. To seek victory with all their might. We will see if that will be the case, but in all likelihood yes. But we repeat again that we must be compact and firm. And to use the spaces that open up".
And the burden will be on Ilian Iliev's team, who must seek a turnaround at the "Aviva" stadium on Sunday night if they want to move up to League B. Hallgrimsson added: "I think it's their turn now, they have to do something different if they want to win. I think the scenario is different now. They have to win the game and score goals in Dublin".