McArdle pledges new identity after Northern Ireland play-off defeat

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 14 Oct, 13:03 · Archive

Northern Ireland manager Michael McArdle says his side can build a new identity despite a heavy play-off defeat to Portugal.

Northern Ireland suffered a 7-1 aggregate defeat to Portugal in a World Cup qualifying play-off. Despite the heavy loss, manager Michael McArdle said the result can mark the start of a new identity for the team. McArdle vowed to forge a winning mentality in the squad, insisting the team did not deserve such a heavy scoreline.

McArdle stressed that his side must embrace discomfort and bravery as they move forward. He suggested that growth requires difficult moments, indicating he intends to use the play-off defeat as a foundation for rebuilding the team's approach and identity going forward.

How it is being reported

• Michael McArdle says Northern Ireland's bruising World Cup qualifiying play-off defeat can mark beginning of 'new identity' for his sideMichael McArdle insists Northern Ireland’s bruising play-off defeat by Portugal can still mark “the start of a new identity” for his side, despite a 7-1 aggregate loss that underlined the gulf between the teams.News Letter · 14 Oct, 12:38
• Michael McArdle vows to forge winning mentality in Northern Ireland squad after play-off pain: ‘We didn’t deserve that scoreline’Belfast Telegraph · 14 Oct, 12:00
• ‘If you are going to grow, you need to be uncomfortable’: Northern Ireland boss wants bravery to underpin his side’s identity for second leg of Play-OffBelfast Telegraph · 12 Oct, 20:55

In this story: Northern Ireland · Michael McArdle · Portugal

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