Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw has revealed in an exclusive interview with RTE that she has no issue with Katie McCabe after their rift over substitutions at the FIFA Women's World Cup this year.
Pauw, who lost her job as Ireland boss this week, claimed in a statement this week that the FAI treated her with 'disrespect' and that she was 'overruled' in the role. Pauw also mentioned that the FAI's decision not to renew her deal was 'flawed' and the 'outcome was pre-determined.'
The FAI has remained silent on the saga, but Pauw has not. She has now given RTÉ more information about what went on between her and Ireland's captain, McCabe, in their final World Cup group game.
For context, during Ireland's last World Cup group game, a verbal exchange occurred between Ireland captain Katie McCabe and Pauw over substitutions. Post-game, Pauw stated, "If Katie McCabe says that she wants a change, that doesn't mean she's the coach. Everybody was doing so well. And I said, 'What do you want, Katie? To take the best player off?' No."
'I love Katie' - Vera Pauw says her relationship with captain Katie McCabe remains strong in a wide-ranging and exclusive interview with @Corktod #RTEsoccer | Read more: https://t.co/DuTlIgeFcL pic.twitter.com/vl7dvKYW2W
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) September 1, 2023
Later in the evening, McCabe tweeted a zipped-up emoji, fueling speculation that Ireland's players, including the captain, were not fully supportive of retaining Pauw as the head coach.
Pauw has now claimed she has spoken to McCabe and that the Dubliner is only human at the end of the day. The 60-year-old now wants the narrative around her and McCabe to end.
"We've spoken for over an hour with each other," said Pauw.
"We are absolutely fine with each other. I've seen a lot on Twitter regarding Katie. I hope that stops now. It’s a young woman that made a mistake. I’ve made mistakes. Everybody makes mistakes.
"She should not be held accountable. I love Katie. Without spark, no fire. And without fire, no performance. Katie gives us so much. No hard feelings toward her at all."
RTÉ will release more quotes later. It is also reported that Pauw's staff turned on her at the World Cup.
