Exclusive Pauw claims some staff 'turned on her' and takes aim at FAI

Former Irish women's football manager Vera Pauw has claimed some of her staff turned on her in the final weeks of her tenure.

In her first interview since the FAI confirmed they would not be offering her a new contract, Pauw also strongly criticised the FAI's process when conducting a review into the team's World Cup qualification campaign, and performance at the tournament itself.

Pauw told RTÉ Sport's Tony O'Donoghue that she would have had no problems if the association informed her they did not intend to renew her contract prior to the World Cup.

She was speaking after the FAI board met on Tuesday to discuss a full report on the team's World Cup qualification campaign and the tournament itself. Pauw has claimed that report is highly flawed.

On losing the faith of her own back-room team, Pauw added: "I found out that behind my back all things were happening. I found out that behind my back even my staff was talking bad."

She said that several players had contacted her privately to wish her luck and inisted there is no bad blood between her and captain Katie McCabe. The pair had an on-field spat during the draw against Nigeria in Brisbane.

"We've spoken for over an hour with each other," said Pauw.

"We are absolutely fine with each other. I've seen a lot on twitter regarding Katie. I hope that stops now. It’s a young woman that made a mistake. I’ve made mistakes. Everybody makes mistakes.

"She should not be held accountable. I love Katie. Without spark no fire. And without fire no performance. Katie gives us so much. No hard feelings to her at all."

The full interview will be available to watch on the RTÉ Sport YouTube page later today, with excerpts on social media channels and the RTÉ One O'Clock News.