I wasn’t in on Republic of Ireland problems, says interim boss Eileen Gleeson

Interim Republic boss Eileen Gleeson is keeping her focus on the present rather than past events

Eileen Gleeson, assistant manager to Vera Pauw for two years, has confirmed she was “not involved” in high-level discussions that took place in 2020 surrounding the Republic of Ireland’s squad concerns with Pauw’s management.

Veteran defender Diane Caldwell revealed on Monday that she and captain Katie McCabe first attempted to relay their concerns about Pauw’s management style following the failure to qualify for the European Championships in 2020.

They held a summit with FAI High Performance Director Ruud Dokter in which many concerns were expressed about Pauw’s control.

Pauw’s style, tactics and preparation were criticised by various members of the squad in the FAI’s World Cup review, after their repeated attempts to raise the issue with the FAI and the manager in the last four years.

“I can’t really comment on that as I was not part of that meeting or the conversation. I can’t answer that one for you,” Gleeson explained.

“I am not even going down that route around 2020, I am focused on the here and now.

“Conversations that happened back there is not for me to comment on.

“It is not for me to comment on, if they had a conversation with Vera or Ruud.

“It is not me. Like I said, I am not prepared to comment on anything from there.”

Gleeson is currently the interim manager, as well as Head of Women and Girls’ Football, and she insists her focus is on Saturday’s Nations League opener with Northern Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.

“It is important that everyone has their say. We are happy to have open communication and deal with different opinions and experiences, that’s what a dressing room is all about,” she added.

“There is a