Kerryman in Prague Diarmuid O’Carroll finds it ironic that new Czech manager Miroslav Koubek has been disrespectful to Ireland given his trademark style.
Pavel Nedved has entrusted the 74-year-old stalwart as the wildcard choice to lead the Czechs into the World Cup playoff semi-final on March 16.
His description of Ireland as “simple” and “typical Islanders” has raised the heat ahead of the showdown.
O’Carroll, as assistant manager of the country’s most successful club Sparta Prague, is familiar with Koubek’s sacred principles from his involvement in the Czechia Liga.
“I saw the new Czechia manager had a few disrespectful quotes about Irish football which I found ironic considering how his teams generally play,” said O’Carroll on Wednesday in conversation with at the club’s training ground on the outskirts of the capital.
He elaborated on the style Ireland can expect from the new boss at the home of Slavia Prague when the prize on offer is a showdown with either Denmark or North Macedonia for a place at the summer World Cup in North America.
“He was at Plzen for years and generally his style is 3-5-2, quite man-to-man, long ball, direct and physical.”
O’Carroll has his own playoff hurdle to navigate as assistant to Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill when they face Italy away in the same night.
Despite his hectic schedule double-jobbing, he’s been watching his home country’s strides with interest.
“Because Czechia have players across top level Bundesliga clubs, Italy, Lyon and the English Premier League, they’ll fancy themselves to be at a slightly higher level than Ireland.
“The expectation here is that they’ll win the tie but I feel it will be closer than they think.
“I do think, however, that both Troy Parrott and Evan Ferguson will need to have good games for Ireland to come through.”
