John O'Shea faced a grilling at FAI headquarters this morning regarding who was currently in charge of the Ireland team, ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Nations League clash with Greece.
Ireland come into the game off the back of a comprehensive defeat to England on Saturday evening, and while Heimir Hallgrimsson has said that he was taking a back seat for these opening games, O’Shea emphasised that it was the Icelandic coach who was firmly in charge of affairs.
When asked about Hallgrimsson’s absence from the pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's game, O'Shea said that the plan for him to attend was already in place.
The head coach is expected to talk to the media on the day before the game, however, on this occasion, the assistant coach, O’Shea, attended the media briefing at the Sport Ireland Campus in his place, accompanied by goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher.
"It's very simple, this plan was in place beforehand and it's obviously to give the boss as much time in terms of preparation, the quick turnaround in the games, that was always the case so there is no change in anything," said O’Shea.
"No fear at all," replied the former interim manager, when asked would it lead to confusion among the players as who is in charge.
"The boss is the boss and there are clear lines on that. As I mentioned, this is the plan that was in place beforehand, and we felt there was no reason to change it."
When pushed for further insight into the choice of candidate for media duties, considering UEFA regulations state the manager/head coach must speak to the media on eve of game, barring suspension, O’Shea was adamant that he was neither the boss nor did he consider his position as a leading role.
"It’s not a leading role, I’m the assistant," said
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