Iceland thrives with unusual partnership
PARIS — Trying to explain how Iceland has unexpectedly reached the European Championship soccer quarterfinals, coach Lars Lagerback recalled some early managerial advice.
“Doing it simple is to be a genius,” Lagerback was told by then-West Ham manager Ron Greenwood on a visit to London in the 1970s.
Before Lagerback could continue his answer at a news conference Saturday, the man sitting two seats to his left chipped in with a question of his own.
“So you’re a genius?” Heimir Hallgrimsson asked.
“You said it!” Lagerback responded to Hallgrimsson, his co-coach with the Iceland national team.
It was a glimpse into the convivial and flourishing partnership behind Iceland’s stunning progress at Euro 2016 ahead of the Nordic nation’s quarterfinal against France today.
In a sport where one dominant leader is seen as an essential ingredient to controlling a dressing room, Lagerback and Hallgrimsson are jointly masterminding Iceland’s first-ever appearance at a major tournament.
In the 67-year-old Lagerback, Iceland has a wily managerial veteran of World Cups and European Championships with his native Sweden. The 49-yearold Hallgrimsson is a part-time Icelandic dentist whose previous coaching was at IBV Vestmannaeyjar in a domestic league featuring no professional clubs.
“The experience from that guy has helped a lot,” Iceland captain Aron Gunnarsson said, pointing to Lagerback before switching a thumb in the direction of Hallgrimsson. “And the more technical computer stuff has come from him. They blend in really nicely together.”