Schmeichel’s ‘so bad’ jibe about Irish causes a stir

SWITZERLAND V REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

Euro 2020 qualifying, Group D Stade de Geneva Tonight, 7:45pm Live on Sky Sports Main Event

Switzerland boss Vladimir Petkovic has told his team to ignore Peter Schmeichel’s apparent dismissal of the Republic of Ireland as “so bad” ahead of tonight’s Euro 2020 qualifier in Geneva.

Reports in the Swiss media claimed former Denmark and Manchester United keeper Schmeichel made the comment, which was overheard by journalists, to Swiss keeper Yann Sommer after Switzerland’s 1-0 defeat in Copenhagen on Saturday.

However, Petkovic was in no mood to be complacent as he prepared for a game which could go a long way towards deciding his team’s Group D fate.

He said: “Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I saw Ireland when they played in Denmark and they weren’t that bad at all. It’s down to how you find the team for your own opinion.

“What is important tomorrow is these little decisions that we make that actually decide games, little intricacies. We know how Ireland will come towards us, so we’ve got to respond with more power and give our best, as we always do.”

Republic of Ireland boss Mick Mccarthy proclaimed himself “not bothered” by Schmeichel’s comments and also said he was surprised by the criticism that came his team’s way following their 0-0 draw with Georgia at the weekend. After all, if the Irish win tonight then they will have booked their place at next summer’s finals.

“I just keep getting messages from people saying: ‘F the begrudgers’ and I keep thinking: ‘What’s going on?’ And, seriously, what’s going on?” he asked.

“I just don’t get a feeling that we are within a win of qualifying, I just don’t get the sense there is some sense of anticipation or excitement and there should be.”