Source: Men in Blazers — Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson on his team's World Cup push, Troy Parrott’s rise, and building belief, presented by Christopher Ward: 03/26/26
Duration: 23 min
Czech Republic playoff match
Their home record should scare us a little. For the last 18 games, it's 15 wins, two draws and one loss. But if we are ready on the moment, then anything can happen.
World Cup 2026 qualification
The next game is always bigger. If we win the Czechs, then the next game will be Denmark or Macedonia at home. That will be the biggest game of their lives for the World Cup.
Troy Parrott form
If he wouldn't have lost this month and a half away with injury, Troy Parrott would be the top scorer in Europe today. He's just flying.
Republic of Ireland squad potential
I think the players we have here are playing at a higher level than the Icelandic players that qualified for the Euros. That was one thing that made me take the job.
World Cup qualification drama
I was more worried that they would just lose themselves in celebration and the public would score. I was thinking there's still a minute left to play. Troy Parrott took his shirt off, got a yellow card, but it was just emotions all over.
Seamus Coleman leadership
Seamus Coleman wasn't playing for Everton, but he played two brilliant games for us. It shows that he will always make the players next to him better.
Tactical mentality
I've heard that so many times since then, but when I said I needed a 'bastard' in the team, it was because we were losing more duels than winning. Thank God that has changed since then.
Troy Parrott's development
I honestly had no idea what goes through Troy Parrott's mind in the clutch. But the kid so much deserved it. He's an honest bloke, really nice to work with, and I love his defensive contribution.
Irish football culture
For the first time in my life, I drank a full Guinness afterwards. I didn't particularly like it, but I made it go down and liked it even more since.
Management philosophy
Success is not measured on the day. Success is measured in the journey. A path to glory is never a straight one.
