Doubts loom over Vera Pauw's Ireland tenure

Manager Vera Pauw and Megan Connolly during a Republic of Ireland press conference at Brisbane Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, ahead of their final Group B match of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, against Nigeria. (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Vera Pauw, the current manager of the Republic of Ireland Women's team, has revealed that she has not received any communication from the FAI (Football Association of Ireland) regarding her future with the team.

This uncertainty has arisen as Ireland suffered a 2-1 defeat to Canada in Perth, leading to their exit from the Women's World Cup. This elimination has sparked speculation about Pauw's long-term position as the team's coach.

Having taken on the role in 2019, the 60-year-old's tenure is now in question, with no guarantees about her involvement in the upcoming Nations League campaign and Euro 2025 qualifiers.

In a pre-match press conference before their next game against Nigeria, Pauw was asked about her future with the Girls in Green. She responded affirmatively when questioned about whether she and the players deserved clarity regarding her position. 'Yes', said the Ireland manager.

When asked to elaborate on her response, Pauw stated, "I have been clear and I stick with that." She explained that she hasn't received any official communication yet from the FAI or anyone else regarding her contract situation.

A most unedifying mess unfolding Down Under. Homecoming reception due in Dublin on Thurs.https://t.co/YDQ0KFHEq3

— John Fallon (@JFallonExaminer) July 30, 2023

“That situation has not changed," she added

Nevertheless, she emphasised her focus on preparing the team for their upcoming crucial match on Monday and mentioned that her personal concerns were not relevant at this moment as the team prepared for the Nigeria tie on Monday.

"I think we have a fantastic bond in our team and that has shown all over the four years. We have a fantastic game tomorrow to play, Nigeria are ranked 52 but we all agree now that they are so, so strong.

"Physically strong, skilful, extremely fast so there is a huge task on our plate, I want to concentrate on that game because it is crucial for us, for our feeling - for our pride - for the tournament."

Megan Connolly, who was sitting beside Pauw during the press conference, was asked about her feelings regarding the situation. She asserted that it was a matter for the FAI to decide and not her personally.

"I can't really speak personally on that,” said Connolly.

“It is not my decision. What we have achieved in the past two, three years under Vera has been amazing.

“She helped us get to this point and I can only speak on my own personal experience and Vera has been great for me. But that is not my decision."

Ireland is scheduled to face Nigeria at 11pm on Monday (Irish time).

IRELAND WNT SQUADGoalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Reading), Megan Walsh (Brighton & Hove Albion) Defenders: Heather Payne (Florida State University), Áine O'Gorman (Shamrock Rovers), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Diane Caldwell (Reading), Claire O’Riordan (Standard Liege), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City), Izzy Atkinson (West Ham United) Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Ciara Grant (Hearts), Lily Agg (London City Lionesses), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Sinead Farrelly (NY/NJ Gotham) Forwards: Kyra Carusa (London City Lionesses), Amber Barrett (Standard Liege), Marissa Sheva (Washington Spirit), Abbie Larkin (Shamrock Rovers)