HEIMIR HALLGRIMSSON
What is the main difference between you and your former co-coach, Lars Lagerback?
It is probably down to experience. I am probably more adventurous. I like to try new things, but I learned a lot. He has a very clear philosophy of how he wants to do things, how he wants his team to play. I like to change things between games to surprise opponents. Much comes down to experience. It is also down to age. When you are younger you hear and read a lot of things about how everybody else is doing it. You like to test if it works for you. When you have all his experience you don’t need to test. You have done it for 30 years, you know what is working.
How would you describe your philosophy and vision of the game?
I don’t mind if we play free-flowing, highpressing, attacking football or defend deep. If it works, that’s the football I’d want to play. Sometimes the same players can play a highpressing game against an opponent and the next game defend really deep to win. I don’t have a philosophy of this is how the game should be played, tiki-taka or long ball. It depends on your players, which players are available, who is your opponent – a stronger or a weaker team. I don’t think you should have a philosophy of how the game should be played. If you have that, you probably have the best players in your team. You don’t mind whom you are playing, you can always play your style.
You didn’t lose a single home game in the World Cup qualifiers. Why is it so hard to beat Iceland in Iceland?
I hope it is difficult to beat Iceland everywhere and not only in Iceland! The stadium is special, the atmosphere is special in Iceland. The players really love coming home. They get good support. They can relax a little bit. They enjoy coming to Iceland. They are scattered around Europe. For them, to come to Iceland, in a relaxed atmosphere and with the fantastic support we have – that is one of the unique things. It’s also psychology. When you have done well for a long time you feel you are invincible. That’s the mentality of Icelanders: we can beat anyone and especially at home.
Do you still meet up with the supporters club, Tolfan, before the games?
Yes, I still do. It’s something special that we have, something not many other nations or national team coaches can do. There is a lot of respect between the players, the coaches and the fans. I can understand that other nations think it is a bit silly to do, but when you come from a country that doesn’t have many people you have certain advantages. There is only one rule: no one tapes anything on mobiles or takes pictures. Nobody can record. Nothing has leaked, which is amazing in the world today.
What are your reflections on Euro 2016?
We are obviously proud of what we did there. We gained experience, even though the World Cup is much stronger and bigger than the Euro. It’s a big advantage to have played a part in one major tournament. From Euro 2016 we gained that we can be a little bit more relaxed. At Euro 2016 we went a lot on adrenaline. We can be bit more relaxed, because we know a little bit about what to expect. We can approach some things in a
different manner from France.
How will you approach the opening game and Messi?
We definitely won’t have a lot of ball possession against a team like Argentina! Our game plan will be clear.