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The least populous nation ever to compete at a
World Cup bowed out with their heads held high on Tuesday after
losing 2-1 to Group D winners Croatia, although they came close
to emulating their heroic feat in reaching the Euro 2016
quarter-finals.
Iceland used to be managed by the duo of Swede Lars Larbeck and
Hallgrimsson, but the former departed after the European
Championships.
Halgrimsson hinted he may also look for a new venture after the
World Cup. He said he plans to speak to the soccer association
next week to decide what to do next.
Sigurdsson said he hoped the boss would stay on, however.
"The last five years since Lars Larbeck and Heimir came in have
been fantastic. So of course the players would like him to
stay," Sigurdsson told reporters.
"He has carried on the good work him and Lars did and kept
things simple. The atmosphere in the group is very relaxed and
that brings the best out of us. He is very tactically aware of
the opposition, he is very organized.
"The main thing he does is keep us fresh and organized before
games. I honestly have no idea what will happen, but I
understand if there is some interest in him because he has done
really well."
Everton midfielder Sigurdsson moved to England from Iceland as a
teenager to pursue his career and would not begrudge the former
dentist Halgrimsson the chance to seek a coaching job abroad,
even though he wants to continue working with him.
"You have to take your chances when they are offered to you,
especially when you are a manager, because it can change so
quickly," he said.
"As a manager, just like a player you want to test yourself and
manage a club or country at a higher level. If you're not ready
to take those risks, you shouldn't be in football. You have to
always test yourself when you get the opportunity.
"I can't tell him to stay or leave. He is going to have to
decide that himself. But the players and everyone want him to
stay."
(Reporting by Richard Martin; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
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