Hallgrimsson vows to do it his way: ‘I can’t be populist’
Ireland boss not thinking about own future, insisting qualification still possible
7 Nov 2025 - Irish Independent
DANIEL McDONNELL
Heimir Hallgrimsson has brushed off questions about his future because his focus remains on Ireland qualifying for next summer’s World Cup.
The Icelander has named his squad for what is likely to be his final camp in charge unless a depleted team can pull two big results out of the bag against Portugal and Hungary next week.
As he named his squad, Hallgrimsson acknowledged that he might have to think about what comes next, but he asserted that he has not given up hope of a turnaround even though he is a “realist’ about the situation.
Pragmatism will also guide the Irish approach to those fixtures, with the manager promising a similar defensive approach to what was applied in last month’s narrow loss to Portugal and the struggle at home against Armenia.
And he feels it is the only way for Ireland going forward, regardless of who is the boss. “I think that’s the way forward for Ireland, yes,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter if I have the time. I think that is the way forward, whether it’s me or someone else. For me, that’s the way forward.
“That’s my belief. We always need to secure defensive things first and then build from that.
“I cannot be populist. [And think about] What others think. This is what I think, seeing the big picture.
“I know others would disagree and want to do something different. I totally respect that, but if you want to win the dance competition, and you also would like [to look great and] to be the most beautiful girl on the dancefloor, it kind of messes up with the other thing. Sometimes you have to pick and choose.”
Hallgrimsson was asked directly if he was now thinking of a future beyond Ireland, given that the odds will be heavily stacked against his team if Hungary win in Armenia next Thursday, before Ireland face Portugal at the Aviva.
Three points for Hungary in Yerevan would mean Ireland needing at least a draw against Portugal to have a chance on the final day in Budapest and they would have to secure at least a two-goal victory in that scenario.
“Obviously, you think about it, but my focus is I’m going to stay here until June, at least June or July,” said Hallgrimsson, who clarified that he was talking about that timeline with the World Cup in mind.
“That’s my focus. I’m not letting anything else distract that because then I’m not doing my job.
“I’m optimistic, but I’m also a realist. So, yeah, I’ll do the best I can and then the future will tell what will happen. My focus is that we are going to qualify.
“It’s difficult when the media is not optimistic, but the fans are really optimistic and show that they’re supportive.”
Hallgrimsson added: “We played two games [last month], difficult away in Portugal, but conceded 0.5 goals from these two games. And if that’s the norm, normally that’s enough to qualify for any team. So if we keep on building on that thing, and then work our way from that thing, I think that is the way forward for us. And not listening to the noise.
“At least we have it in our hands. So why be negative? We have it in our hands. Two wins and we are there.”
Hallgrimsson has conceded that the task has been stiffened with a number of players unavailable through injury and doubts hanging over players in his squad. Jayson Molumby and Ryan Manning are suspended for Portugal.
Evan Ferguson’s inclusion was the main talking point, with Hallgrimsson keen for the 21-year-old to be assessed with the hope existing he can at least feature in Hungary. New York City fullback Kevin O’Toole was a left-field call with the 26-year-old Princeton graduate – who qualifies through his grandfather Eric, who emigrated from Blackrock, Co Dublin to New Jersey in his youth – drafted in after receiving clearance.
Hallgrimsson says he has knowledge of the player because he watched New York City regularly when he was in charge of Jamaica. Andrew Moran and Mark Sykes have been recalled, although the latter is carrying a knock. In-form Celtic striker Johnny Kenny is on standby.
IRELAND SQUAD (v Portugal and Hungary)
Goalkeepers:
- Caoimhín Kelleher (Brentford),
- Gavin Bazunu (Southampton),
- Mark Travers (Everton)
Defenders:
- Séamus Coleman (Everton),
- Nathan Collins (Brentford),
- Dara O’Shea (Ipswich),
- Jake O’Brien (Everton),
- Jimmy Dunne (QPR),
- Liam Scales (Celtic),
- John Egan (Hull),
- Ryan Manning (Southampton)*,
- Kevin O’Toole (New York City)
Midfielders:
- Josh Cullen (Burnley),
- Jayson Molumby (WBA)*,
- Finn Azaz (Southampton),
- Conor Coventry (Charlton),
- Jack Taylor (Ipswich),
- Mark Sykes (Bristol City),
- Andrew Moran (LAFC)
Forwards:
- Evan Ferguson (Roma),
- Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar),
- Adam Idah (Swansea City),
- Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion),
- Chiedozie Ogbene (Sheffield United),
- Festy Ebosele (Istanbul Basaksehir)
* Suspended for Portugal match
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