Seamus Coleman dismissed the concept of this Ireland team being too nice, however, he does feel that the team could create a stronger mindset, ahead of Saturday's UEFA Nations League clash with England at the Aviva Stadium.
The Ireland captain was responding to a quote by the new manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, when speaking at a fans’ night, he said that "I think the first impression of the players is really good team players, really good characters, maybe a little bit too nice".
That led to his follow-up regarding the need for a b*****d in the team, which was later said to be out of context, and Coleman believes that the "too nice" tag was similarly lost in translation.
"Ah it was taken maybe a bit out of context," said Coleman, speaking at the pre-match press conference.
"There is nothing wrong with being too nice around the place but you don't get to this level without having a little bit of bite.
"I've said it to the younger lads, our goals are qualifying for tournaments. I think what the manager said was meant in that context. To get to that level you need something else in your locker."
But Coleman did admit that the team may need to change their mindset in future campaigns in order to return to those summer tournaments, and he will be hoping that begins at Lansdowne Road on Saturday evening.
"We do need to understand why we are here," he added. "It is not just about picking up caps, it is about making the country proud. The fans are crying out for [tournaments]. The fans deserve to be there.
"That’s the ultimate goal as an international player. When it’s all said and done, you put your feet up and you’re retired, we’ll look back on the memories of France 2016.
"I think that’s where this group, the younger lads should be aspiring to get to major tournaments, because that’s why we do it, what’s where you want to be.
"We have to toughen up our mindset to qualify."
Coleman joined Hallgrimsson for the press conference on the eve of the England game, but thankfully things did not get awkward when he was asked his opinions on the new man in charge.
"The new manager? Yeah it’s been good," said Coleman. "A lot of new information for us but you can tell by the man sitting beside me. First and foremost, good man and he wants to do well for the national team.
"He’s come into a good group of lads who are desperate to do well for Ireland as well. So we’re all looking forward to it. We’ve all been working hard, we’ve all been taking in as much as we can, and we wish him all the best with the journey ahead.
"I think to be fair to the manager, obviously he’s only in a short period of time. We took in the information, I’m sure he can’t give us loads and loads in a short space of time. But we’ve took in what he’s asked of us, hopefully you’ll see traits of that, give the best account of ourselves, but obviously this is a long process as well and it will be the first step along the way as well."
"It doesn't matter how long the manager has been here, you should always be trying to impress on a daily basis anyway," added Coleman.
"There's no God-given right to play for your country, there's no God-given right to play for your club, you've got to turn up everyday in training and give your best while you can.
"Then it's up to the manager to decide who he plays and who he doesn't. So long as I know I'm giving my all day-in and day-out at training that's all I can control."
Looking ahead to the game, the captain said that he will tap into the emotion of the occasion, however, it is a passion that comes every time he pulls on the green jersey so he is not expecting it to be too different from other home games against the big teams.
"You can most certainly tap into the emotional side of it, but I think that goes for any time you put on that green jersey," said Coleman.
"It is about the historic game and England our rivals coming over; for us lads we’re representing our country, unbelievably proud to do so as well.
"Hopefully we can do that in a positive way. We can’t just be gung-ho emotion; you have to have a smart head as well for sure.
"I know it’s England, but we’ve had some big games, big nations coming here. It’s another one tomorrow. Everyone is looking forward to the game. Can’t wait to get going now."
And as for former Ireland players Declan Rice and Jack Grealish who declared for England having previously represented the country, Coleman said that it was not a concern of his as his only interest was in the players who want to represent the country.
"Do they deserve it?" said Coleman, when asked if the returning duo deserved to get stick from the home crowd. "I think that's a leading question for me to give you a headline.
"Listen, they chose who they wanted to represent. I've said it for long enough, whatever they feel they are, that's what they chose to be.
"I know Declan came and he played three games. I can only speak of Declan coming in as a person, good guy, top player as everyone knows, but I just want lads that want to represent Ireland, and we've got that and we're eager to do well.
"Those lads have gone their own way and what reception they get I don't know, but it's been a few years now, so it's not something that concerns me any more."
Watch Republic of Ireland v England in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday from 4pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to commentary on RTÉ Radio 1
