Ireland's boss, Heimir Hallgrímsson, has claimed he is in the process of learning Ireland's national anthem, Amhrán na bhFiann, but like many non-native speakers, he admits that grasping the language is challenging.
The topic of singing another country's national anthem as a foreign manager became a hot subject when former Ireland player Lee Carsley, now England’s interim boss, refused to sing "God Save the King." Carsley chose to focus on the football, and his silence angered many members of the English press last September.
In contrast, Hallgrímsson, an Iceland native now managing the Boys in Green, made an effort to sing the Irish national anthem during the Greece and Finland games last month.
The Icelander was asked about the anthem this week ahead of the November Nations League games. He said he is making a concerted effort to learn it but is finding the words, phrases, and meanings difficult to master. However, he feels confident he will get it eventually.
Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)“I’ve been trying to learn it, but it's hard! It's one thing to know how to sing it, but then you forget the words; you don't know what they mean. I will get it at some point.
"The national anthem is something you should take pride in learning; even though you are a foreigner, you should learn it. Maybe not sing it, as there's probably a word that's wrong! But it's a nation's pride to have a national anthem, and I’m trying my best.”
Republic of Ireland Squad: Finland & England
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Max O'Leary (Bristol City)
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Shane Duffy (Norwich City), Mark McGuinness (Luton Town), Liam Scales (Celtic), and Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Andy Moran (Stoke City, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion).
Forwards: Adam Idah (Celtic), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Tom Cannon (Stoke City, on loan from Leicester City), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Festy Ebosele (Watford, on loan from Udinese), Kasey McAteer (Leicester City), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion).
Fixtures: UEFA Nations League
14/11: Ireland vs. Finland, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm
17/11: England vs. Ireland, Wembley Stadium,
