Stephen Kenny says his Republic of Ireland side will not be getting "fixated" over the number of long-range goals conceded in transition during recent times.
The Boys in Green beat Latvia 3-2 in an international friendly at Aviva Stadium as they build up to Monday's Euro 2024 qualifier against France.
Both Latvia's goals were scored from outside the box, albeit the second took a deflection on its way to goal.
Goals from range have been a relatively regular occurrence over the last two years, comprising nine of the 23 that Ireland have let in, including notable examples against Luxembourg (March 2021) and Armenia (June 2022).
However, on whether there is an inherent systemic flaw in back-three formations that could leave teams susceptible to long-distance goals, Kenny told RTÉ Sport that there were mitigating circumstances with Latvia's first goal for instance.
"Obviously the goal last night, the first goal, was just an unbelievable goal," he said at the FAI's announcement of its partnership with Circle K, the association's new official fuel and convenience partner.
"Matt (Doherty) plays a pass in the midfield and it's intercepted. I don't think anyone could have got near the player at the time. I watched it today and it's just an incredible goal.
"They're not all connected. Some of the earlier goals - we're going back two years nearly - a couple of those goals could have been closed down a lot better at various times.
"But I think sometimes when a goal is scored like that it's just an incredible goal. Obviously we shouldn't have given away possession and that's the way we play.
"Maybe because we're an expansive team, that if we do give away possession, it gives an opportunity to the other team to hit it from distance. But it's not something we need to become overly fixated on."
He added: "It's a different tactical challenge against France than it is Latvia and we just have to make sure all the players know exactly what is expected of them and how we can penetrate in that game. Can we establish a level of control?
"I don't agree with the idea that France have to dominate possession in the game. Maybe they will. They can't force you into a low block but we want to play the game on our own terms and it will be an interesting game tactically for us.
"The expectation around Europe would be that France should win without doubt but from our point of view, we'll just focus on our performance on Monday."
Speaking of France, in spite of the retirements of key 2018 World Cup winners like Hugo Lloris and Raphael Varane, Kenny said he isn't expecting Didier Deschamps' team to be radically different tactically from their run to the 2022 final, albeit Friday's fixture between Les Bleus and the Netherlands will help the Irish manager to clarify that.
"I see them being quite similar to how they were in the World Cup but the game against Holland on Friday gives us the chance to assess that as well and that's an interesting game," he said.
"And will they make changes between Friday and Monday? It's difficult to gauge that and we just have to be ready whatever the scenario is. We have to be adaptable and ready and be able to adjust ourselves."
With outside scrutiny over Matt Doherty's match sharpness after limited game time since his move to Atletico Madrid, Kenny also backed captain Seamus Coleman to still have the capacity to play in that right wing-back role if required.
"I think Seamus is probably having the best spell of his career in the last two years," he said, emphasising that the 34-year-old has come through a period last season when he was beset by niggling injuries during Everton's ultimately successful struggle against relegation.
"I was at the game against Brentford last week and he was getting up and down and flying up the line and has been an attacking threat and he's had a run in training all season completely injury free.
"And to me, it was never about age with Seamus. Obviously at 33 or 34, you're not the same as you are at 24 but it was the rhythm of games I feel and regular training rather than an age issue. So for me, yes he can (play there)."
Watch Republic of Ireland v France in Euro 2024 qualifying on Monday from 7pm live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to live commentary on 2fm's Game On
Listen to the RTÉ Soccer podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
