Seamus Coleman doesn’t seem overly focused on the threat of Sweden’s talisman.
The Republic of Ireland face Sweden in their first game at Euro 2016 on June 13 in Paris, in a game that is, if not a must-win, certainly a must-not-lose for both sides if they are to progress from Group E.
The performance of Zlatan Ibrahimovic is likely to be central to the outcome.
However, while Coleman acknowledged the talent of the Paris Saint-Germain striker, he isn’t more worried about Zlatan than he is any other Swedish player.
“He’s going to be a threat. He’s a top player, a top goalscorer but there are ten more of them on the pitch as well that we have to worry about. But they will be worried about us as well.”
Coleman had a similarly relaxed attitude about Belgian striker, and his Everton teammate, Romelu Lukaku, who he will face in Ireland’s second group game in Bordeaux on June 18.
“The lads will be well used to him. We can’t concentrate on one player especially. Belgium have a lot of good players but he is definitely a threat.”
Coleman was speaking in Cork on Friday and the topic of Roy Keane’s comments earlier this week came up.
The Ireland assistant manager had some choice words for the side following their lacklustre performance against Belarus, saying he “wanted to kill” some of the players after the defeat.
Coleman, who Keane picked out for praise during the press conference, said that Keane’s emphasis on the importance of holding professional standards should already be a given for international footballers.
“I don’t think Roy Keane should have to say that to any of us anyway,” the 27-year-old said.
“We’re professional footballers and we should know to keep our standards up. That’s coming from Roy but if we don’t know that then there is something wrong.”
Brought to you by Three. #MakeHistory
