Interesting.
Despite facing the same level of scrutiny and pressure as managers of an Ireland national team, Martin O’Neill and Joe Schmidt’s styles obviously differ quite a bit.
Football management and rugby coaching are two entirely different beasts yet they do bring with them a lot of similar scenarios and challenges. That perhaps explains why O’Neill and Schmidt are interested in each other’s styles.
For example, O’Neill has revealed that he admires how rugby coaches often prefer a heightened vantage point in the stands from which to watch the game. Having a better panoramic view of the game makes it easier to spot certain tactical issues and it’s something O’Neill enjoys about rugby.
“Joe for instance would take his place further up and that’s the way it is – he can see the game and I think there’s a great element to that, getting a view of the game that you probably really don’t get on the touchline,” O’Neill said during an interview with Aviva as part of its sponsorship renewal with the Aviva Stadium.
“But I think touchline managers will say they’re totally involved in the game, you feel as if you’re there and you feel as if you can make an impact on the match by balling out the player nearest to you.”
Speaking on his own style, Schmidt, who on Thursday announced his Ireland side to play France in their Six Nations opener on Saturday, said:
“I used to do it [go down to the touchline] but players generally ignored me because of my French accent, back when I was coaching in France. I think it is easier to stay less emotionally attached when you’re elevated and there’s a very thick piece of glass that separates you from the real world of the atmospheric stadium, so I try to stay emotionally unattached.”
You can watch the full interview below.
