Gus Poyet reveals admiration for Hallgrimsson and future interest in Ireland job

January 16, 2026

Gus Poyet has detailed how close he was to getting the Republic of Ireland manager role, 18 months on from the appointment of Heimir Hallgrimsson.

The Uruguayan left his role as Greece boss in March 2024, with his reputation enhanced after a solid 12 months on the international front.

This was his first foray away from club management, resulting in four wins out of four in the Nations League, but Greece went on to narrowly miss out on EURO 2024 after a playoff defeat on penalties to Georgia.

His contract was not renewed, leaving Poyet to look elsewhere and all signs appeared to point to Dublin.

The 58-year-old was speaking to the Daily Mirror on his talks with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and how close he was to succeeding Stephen Kenny as the permanent boss of the Irish men’s senior team.

Gus Poyet believed he would be the next Republic of Ireland manager

When asked how close an agreement was, the former Brighton and Sunderland gaffer responded emphatically:

“Very close. It was just a matter of staff, the number of staff that I was able to bring. There was a difference in the numbers, said Poyet.

“I wanted to have a minimum of support, because I do believe we do things in a certain way, not only because of me but because of my staff.

“I would say normally I would bring, not crazy like nowadays where people need five, six or seven, but I needed to bring a minimum and Ireland wanted a little bit more local staff to support me.

“It was a matter of numbers, not money.”

Gus Poyet achieved the domestic Double in his first season with Jeonbuk, winning both the K League 1 and the Korea Cup. pic.twitter.com/HNnkQz6sTm

— Korea Football News (@KORFootballNews) December 6, 2025

Backing and admiration for Hallgrimsson

Gus Poyet continued to stress how far things developed.

“I thought I was getting it. I was ready. I was analysing the team, I knew exactly what I needed,” he added.

“For example, probably the most important players at that time were central defenders, and Ireland were playing with three at the back because they were so important.

“I never played in my career with my teams with three or five at the back. I played 99 percent with four, but I understood why Ireland were playing with three.”

Gus Poyet displayed professionalism and maturity when he discussed the current upturn under Hallgrimsson, who he backed to continue the progress.

Especially after the tough start for the Icelandic coach.

“It was a difficult start for the coach, and I was a little bit worried because you want the coach to do well.

“So now to see that change to a great opportunity, to get into the play-off, it makes me very happy because I know how important it is for the people of Ireland.

“Now it is a matter of details, these play-off games, they are going to be decided by one or two things, and you need a little bit of luck as well.”

The Republic of Ireland faces the Czech Republic in the World Cup playoff semi-final in March. That crunch tie will be played in Prague, with the winner set to host Denmark or North Macedonia.

If Hallgrimsson has his way, the away fans will be relocated in the Aviva Stadium.

Future ambitions to be the Republic of Ireland boss

Gus Poyet also reiterated his future interest in leading the Republic of Ireland team out at the Aviva Stadium, with his previous experience not deterring him.

“I would love to, he said, as he regaled his time in Dublin as Greece manager.

“I said it, and I repeat it, the trip from the hotel to the (Aviva) Stadium and the support at the stadium, wow, it was unbelievable.”

Poyet’s most recent role was in South Korea, where he won a league and cup domestic double with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the 2025 season.

He opted not to stay on as manager after the 12-month stint.