REPUBLIC OF IRELAND DEFENDER Aine O'Gorman believes that clarity over Vera Pauw's contract saga will be important for Ireland's players going forward.
Ireland and Pauw made it to their first World Cup this year. The team failed to win a game and were knocked out of the tournament in the second week.
A rift between Ireland's captain Katie McCabe and Pauw over substitutions ignited rumors about Pauw's long-term future in the role.
Before the Nigeria game, there had been no indication of a contract extension or any form of communication with the FAI. She remarked at the time that, "That situation has not changed."
A number of weeks later, the situation still has not changed, leaving Ireland's managers and players in the lurch over what happens next.
According to reports today, FAI directors have examined a report about Ireland's World Cup performances. The decision is to be made on whether to offer the Dutch native a new contract or instead to allow her to leave her role as senior manager.
O’Gorman, speaking on RTÉ’s World Cup coverage on Monday, admitted that the right decision must be made by the FAI for the betterment of the team. However, that decision cannot be rushed either, according to O'Gorman.
🇪🇸 v 🇸🇪
Áine O'Gorman joins the panel for the first World Cup semi-final. She says she is undecided on international retirement and that the FAI have a big call to make on Vera Pauw's future.
📱 Updates https://t.co/25maEywAiD
📺 Live on @RTE2 and @RTEPlayer#WWC2023 pic.twitter.com/pPwIi31G1P— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) August 15, 2023
“It’s in the hands of the FAI now. It’s important for them to conduct the review, which we all know is taking place now, and make the right decision for the team going forward because the future definitely is bright. There are a lot more major tournaments, and the team needs to grow and develop,” said O’Gorman, speaking on RTÉ’s World Cup coverage today.
“As players, we obviously want a decision to be made, so we know what's happening going forward. But I think it’s a decision you can’t rush into either. You need to do the right thing. It’s a really important time for the team and women’s football in Ireland as well. It’s important that it’s the right decision.”
O'Gorman, a 34-year-old, has also indicated that she is not sure if she will continue on with the national team going forward. The end of the month will add more clarity, added O'Gorman.
“I’m not sure yet; I haven’t really decided. I’m just trying to enjoy my downtime at the moment since we have come back,” added O’Gorman.
“It was quite an emotional time, being away for so long and kind of mentally exhausted. So I will think about it over the next couple of weeks, probably before the end of the month, and see where we stand.
“It’s massive to be at the Aviva and to play against Northern Ireland in that Nations League game. We’re hoping we can get all the Irish support out, get a good result, and go from there.”
