Amber Barrett says that Ireland have to find their ‘killer instinct’ and need a ‘little bit of luck’ to turn great performances into points.
Barrett was speaking after Ireland fell to a 2-1 defeat against League A rivals the Netherlands in Utrecht on Saturday night. Following the match at Stadion Galgenwaard, Barrett spoke to the media to provide her thoughts.
Amber Barrett says Ireland ‘deserved at least a point’
Despite two impressive showings Ireland have fallen to two narrow defeats to the sides ranked seventh and eleventh in the world. Barrett gave her thoughts on the window as a whole,
“Very disappointing, again. I think after France, we came away saying the same thing, probably three points that we could have [got] at least got a point out of” Barrett admitted.
“I think then we were looking for a response. I think we did get it in many ways. But again, we’ve gone in with a really big performance and come away with nothing. I think that’s the hardest thing to take.
“If you play poorly and you’re not at the races on the day, you can kind of accept not coming away with anything because you probably don’t deserve it. But I think that’s two games now that we deserve at least a point. Even three out of maybe one of them. And yeah, just really disappointing, to be honest.”
Barrett laments that ‘luck’s against us’ after Dutch defeat
With 66 minutes on the clock Barrett came off the bench to try and ensure a point returned to Dublin with her side. Despite her tireless running, Ireland were unable to hold on, Barrett provided her thoughts,
“Yeah, obviously, we were still in the game when I came on” Barrett explained.
“The message was clear. We had to remain disciplined defensively, but also cause them problems and go at them.
“I think there was a 10-minute period as well after I came on that I think that we did. I think we were probably on top of them and I think we were causing them problems. But again, it’s a set-piece.
“It’s always one of those that they’re the hardest to take and it just happens so quickly. Again, it’s a little bit of luck.
“We had one cleared off the line on Tuesday and we had one that’s like a deflection that goes in. It’s just the luck’s against us. And yeah, disappointing. It is massively disappointing.”
Barrett lauds Ireland’s chance creation but calls for ‘killer instinct’
Ireland had seven shots on target against France at Tallaght Stadium and worked Lize Kop yesterday too. Barrett was asked if the amount chances created against top class opposition was a positive to take from this camp,
“Yeah, I think if you’ve come away from two games against France and the Netherlands a few years ago, you probably wouldn’t have created half as many chances as we did.
“And again, at top level football, I think France had two shots on target on Tuesday. I would like to see how many the Netherlands had tonight and they had two goals. France had two goals [too].
“We are creating chances, but that’s where you have to have the killer instinct there. It’s nothing against the girls. They’re doing the right thing. It’s just, again, it’s just having that little bit of luck going your way.
“And I think even the first 10 minutes, we had a couple of set pieces that put them under a lot of pressure. It is disappointing.
“We have another four or five weeks before we go to Poland. And we’re looking at that as two must-win games now.
“I think that’s the attitude here, that we’ve come away with two top, top teams, created chances probably I think both of them are very, very lucky to be coming out with three points on both sides.”
Ireland have ‘matured’ since last League A stint says Amber Barrett
The last time Ireland were in League A, the Girls in Green lost five in a row. A part of both sides, Amber Barrett was asked to compare that side to the current iteration of the Irish team,
“I suppose the side’s matured” Barrett said.
“If you look at the last time that we were in League A, since then there’s been a lot of departures with the girls that have retired, massive figures in the team.
“And I think in many ways, you’re still trying to replace the characters that we had. But I think a lot of people are growing into the team. I think Carla’s had a year now to really stamp her authority on the team and everybody’s starting to really, really grasp what kind of situation we’re in.
“Also, I think that a lot of the girls are playing at good clubs. The level of maybe where people are playing has also increased. A lot of the girls probably have been disappointed with their club minutes.
“I know that the attitude there is to keep playing and keep working towards that because I think the more we have people in playing and competing every week, it’s going to make a big difference.
“And I think that a year later. We are, but we’re still, again, on the wrong end of results. Until we manage to really turn the tide, it’s still going to be a work in progress.”
Amber Barrett ‘delighted’ with Strasbourg move
In January Barrett took the the opportunity to join French club Strasbourg, leaving Standard Liege, her home for three years and where she was made club captain. Barrett spoke on what that opportunity has given her,
“Yeah, I think that, look, I have nothing but love and adoration for Standard Liege, what they did for me” Barrett smiled.
“They literally took me when nobody else wanted me, gave me two and a half great seasons, regular playing minutes. The confidence came back. And then suddenly, there’s a lot of teams opening the door for you.
“I think Strasbourg, in France the league is better. I think it’s a massive step up for me. I’m probably still adjusting to the technical side of it. The French girls are very, very technical, very quick at speed of play.
“And I think that’s something I have to adapt to. But again, if you want to be playing regularly for Ireland, if you want to be pushing players, you need to put yourself in the best position.
“If we’re pushing to qualify for a World Cup, I think it was the best move that I needed to make. And so far, I’ve been delighted with it.”
