Heimir Hallgrimsson says placing the onus on players in regard to fulfilling the Republic of Ireland's upcoming fixtures against Israel would be "unfair".
The Boys in Green are due to face the Israelis in the UEFA Nations League later this year.
The away game will be on 27 September - likely at a neutral venue - with the home fixture to follow on 4 October at Aviva Stadium.
However, those group matches have been shrouded in controversy since the draw was made in February.
On Tuesday afternoon, a protest took place outside the Dáil against the FAI's decision to fulfil the fixtures.
In February, FAI chief executive David Courell outlined the association's reasons for their stance, saying: "While our federation and our members have made our position clear in terms of Israel's involvement in international football, that has not been taken on board by UEFA. As such they (Israel) are permitted to compete. And we have been consistent from day one that we will fulfil these fixtures."
Ahead of Thursday's Aviva Stadium friendly against Qatar, Ireland senior manager Hallgrimsson addressed the issue.
"Obviously focusing on the football side of things, I've already expressed my opinion on this matter, you don't need to repeat that one," he told RTÉ Sport at Wednesday's press conference.
"But from a footballing perspective, it's an obstacle I don't like, and it's unfair for the players to be in this position and us to be in this position.
"But from a footballing perspective, I don't like us to be the bad guys. We are not the bad guys here. We just want to perform, we want to play, and the players would like to perform for the country and do well.
"I think the best answer for us is just to win this game, to win this war against them. That would be a perfect answer from my end. Other decisions are not made by us, but all the players would like to represent the country and do well for them, no matter who is the opponent."
Israel fixture dominates build-up to Republic of Ireland friendlies, reports @Corktod #RTESport #RTESoccer pic.twitter.com/LzjFE1ejRy
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) May 27, 2026
The Icelandic native also admitted that moving the home game against Israel from Dublin to a neutral venue would not be ideal for his side.
"It would obviously be a disadvantage from footballing reasons not to play at home," Hallgrimsson said.
"We've done really well at home. Hopefully, we'll continue that tomorrow against Qatar. So it's building to be a strong fortress for us, (the) Aviva. And to move it, obviously, will lower our chances.
"So I hope people can rally around the players and us playing. So instead of protesting or doing something that's damaging."
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