Poyet believes Ireland v Greece is a 'must-win'

(Photo By Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Greece manager Gus Poyet believes that Ireland's clash with his team is a 'must-win' for both sides ahead of their Euro 2024 qualifier tonight

Ireland is yet to secure a victory in their Euro 2024 group, although they did face the World Cup finalists, France, in March. On the other hand, Greece played against group minnows Gibraltar in the same international block.

It is widely anticipated that Ireland, Greece, and the Netherlands will compete for a playoff spot, as France is guaranteed to advance as group winners.

Tonight, Ireland will face Greece in Athens at 7.45pm. Poyet, speaking to the media on Thursday, explained how detrimental a loss would be for both teams' chances of reaching the finals in Germany.

"The reality for both of us is that if we don't win tomorrow, it's going to be very difficult to finish second," said the Uruguayan. "I think it's a must-win for both of us. That creates a special situation for the game, especially early in the group, unless you go and beat France and Holland. But realistically, this is a very important game for both national teams."

“The reality for both of us is that if we don’t win tomorrow, it’ll be difficult to finish second. This is a must-win for both teams.”

Gus Poyet clear enough in his presser about the importance of this game

— Daniel McDonnell (@McDonnellDan) June 15, 2023

Poyet's Greek side already has 3 points on the board, giving them a slight advantage heading into the match against Ireland. Despite being ahead of Ireland in the group, the 55-year-old coach emphasized his team's aim to secure a win tonight.

"Not to put pressure on Ireland myself, I will say that we have a backup," he stated. "We have the possibility of another way, and that will give us the freedom to play a little more aggressively and aim for victory. However, there is no drama if we lose the game because we still have another opportunity."

Poyet further expressed, "Sometimes when you play with the points – 'We might win this game, we might draw here' – but where we are now, we can play every game to win. If we qualify, it would be an incredible achievement. If not, we will prepare better for the playoff game in March."

Republic of Ireland Squad - Greece Match Day Squad

Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth)

Defenders: Matt Doherty (Atlético Madrid), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Nathan Collins (Wolverhampton Wanderers), John Egan (Sheffield United), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Darragh Lenihan (Middlesbrough)

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Jeff Hendrick (Reading), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Jason Knight (Derby County), Jamie McGrath (Wigan Athletic),

Forwards: Adam Idah (Norwich City), Michael Obafemi (Burnley), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur), Mikey Johnston (Vitória de Guimarães, on loan from Celtic)