Heimir Hallgrimsson after Israel game: 'Toughest days of my career'

The Republic of Ireland manager was full of praise for how his players played against Israel

TOP TABLE: Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson during a media conference after the UEFA Nations League B match against Israel at Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, Hungary. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

An emotional Heimir Hallgrímsson says he’s had the toughest days of his coaching career after the Ireland manager oversaw a game against Israel he doubted would proceed.

Sunday’s match in Debrecen was thrown into disarray when Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad on moral grounds, leading to a vote among players on whether to fulfil the fixture.

Once that passed 15-8, the game proceeded but the mental drain on the Icelander was apparent when he addressed the media following a 3-0 win amid an eerie backdrop of just 200 spectators.

“It’s probably the toughest days of my coaching career but it is not about me,” he said, his voice breaking at times.

“Yesterday I didn’t think the game would go ahead. It was a tough enough decision to play today.

“The players showed their pride by making a statement on the pitch. They let their feet do the talking.

An emotional Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson talks about the last 24 hours following 3-0 win over Israel. pic.twitter.com/vQw8SE2uag

— John Fallon (@JFallonExaminer) September 27, 2026

“This was about emotional control. Coming into the game with the pressure, it would be easy for a player to lose control. Our message was not letting your teammates or nation down by doing something silly.

“You find your leaders in tough times.” 

The Stop The Game campaign group intends protesting Thursday’s game against Austria, risking players who didn’t follow Bazunu’s lead being subject to flak.

He said: “We play Austria on Thursday and I hope the fans support our players. They showed it on the pitch and everybody can see they represented themselves with dignity and power.

“I am (worried about the reception) but the players have done good. I know we are making some people unhappy and angry but I hope we can slowly settle that down and wish the Irish people to support these boys.”