Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy says he isn't unduly worried by Switzerland’s criticism of their hosts in tonight’s Euro 2020 qualifier and says he is happy with the Irish style of play.
Group D table toppers Ireland could face their toughest task to date when the side ranked 11th in the world travel to Dublin looking to boost their own qualification hopes.
Swiss manager Vladimir Petkovic described Ireland's style of play as "very unpleasant" earlier this week and said his team must be extra vigilant of the Irish threats from set-pieces.
With a resolute defensive display laying the foundation to a 1-1 draw in Copenhagen, the 60-year-old was asked if he was going to make a tactical alteration for the Swiss.
"We'll be playing our usual brand, even though some people find it unpleasant," he told RTÉ Sport in reference to Petkovic’s comments.
"I thought we played quite pleasantly over the past four games to be honest. I hope he [Petkovic] is sat there in the dressing room afterwards thinking it was even more unpleasant and he doesn’t want to see us in October. That’s my view."
It has again reopened the debate around the Irish football philosophy and the perception that a powerful physical approach is the general perception of the Boys in Green, championed by Jack Charlton and carried on to varying degrees by many other Irish managers.
McCarthy, who led Ireland to the 2002 World Cup with a potent attacking Irish team, says putting opposition on the backfoot has always been an Irish trait, but it is also adopted by some of the most successful teams around.
"It’s part of our game. It’s part of the Premier League despite the fact that there is some wonderful football being played. The most aggressive teams in the Premier League at the moment are Manchester City and Liverpool.
If we end up winning ugly 1-0 and they find it unpleasant, I'll be finding it delightfully pleasant
"They have the highest press. You try and get through the press and they will foul and take you down no end. That’s aggressive, but the fact that they have £500m or whatever it is worth of full-backs in one team and can play all the football, that’s great, but they are undoubtedly the most aggressive teams in the Premier League.
"I watched Switzerland and there is no shortage of aggression from them, how they work and press. It’s then about what you do with the ball.
"If we end up winning ugly 1-0 and they find it unpleasant, I’ll be finding it delightfully pleasant."
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