Aston Villa and Ireland midfielder Conor Hourihane has admitted the attention to detail in the coaching under Martin O’Neill was far below what he receives at club level.
O’Neill, along with assistant manager Roy Keane, left his post with the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday after five years in charge.
Speaking on the Keith Andrews show this afternoon, Hourihane said O’Neill’s approach to games led to a “tougher environment” when playing for Ireland.
The 27-year-old, who earned all of his six caps under O’Neill, said his club boss Dean Smith “leaves no stone unturned” in preparation for games, making it much easier to perform on the pitch.
“The detail Dean goes into for every game is second to none. We play a very attractive style of play and he wants to win every game. He is never satisfied with going away and taking a draw.
“In every single game, he wants to put across our play on the opposition and that suits us. That’s maybe not the case when we go over to the Ireland squad, and ultimately the lads can only do their best with what is put in front of them, but it’s not easy.”
Hourihane was also very honest about his own contributions in an Ireland jersey, saying he has found it difficult to carry over his club form to the national team.
“My form for Ireland hasn’t been as good as my club form and that’s a disappointing element for me. It’s hard to say why but I think a lot of lads have better form with their club.
“To go from play well every week in the Championship, to not doing so well (with Ireland) is frustrating, but hopefully that will change now with a new manager involved.”
Hourihane believes the next Ireland manager will inherit a good squad of players who are eager to improve on their recent poor form.
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