Heimir Hallgrimsson said the Republic of Ireland will look back at their international break as a "defining moment" in their history, after another evening of controversy in their 1-1 draw against Israel.
The Republic's behind-closed-doors Nations League 'home' clash with Israel in Backa Topola, Serbia, flared up around a halftime confrontation between the two sets of players and staff, after which reports said a member of Ireland's backroom staff alleged he was spat at by an Israel player.
The fracas came after Ireland players again wore black armbands and bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem to protest Israel's actions in Gaza, having done the same when the sides met last Sunday.
The Israeli players also wore black armbands in memory of the people killed in the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Israel captain Dor Peretz had "7.10" written on his armband.
Hallgrimsson said he did not want to comment on the alleged spitting incident, something the Icelandic boss added was better left to a disciplinary committee.
"I will 100% say this team is stronger," said Hallgrimsson. "The bonding between players has grown so much. It is in these times leaders are born.
"In these times, you find out who are your true friends, who you trust. Even though it has been tough on us all, I think we will look back to these two weeks and say this was a defining moment for us, and every problem from now on will seem lesser than what we would have seen two weeks ago.
"I think that is a gain from all of this, and I think we need to look positive on a negative two weeks.
"We need now some time to reflect and go forward. It's also the best time to find your enemies when you're lying on the ground and people are kicking you. It's easy to see who was trying to kick you."
Troy Parrott's penalty fired the Republic in front in the 39th minute at the TSC arena, but it was cancelled out by Peretz two minutes after the restart and both sides lacked finishing quality.
The goals came on either side of the halftime confrontation in front of the tunnel, where the alleged incident occurred. Peretz also lifted the back of his jersey above his neck before the second half started, seemingly to emphasize its Israel flag.
Hallgrimsson later told RTE he felt Israel's "intention" was to "intimidate us and make us do something stupid."
Israel manager Ran Ben-Shimon, speaking in his post-match news conference, said he did not witness the fracas as he was already in the dressing room and none of his players had spoken to him about it.
The Israeli Football Association also declined to comment.
It was the latest in a long line of on and off-pitch issues during a tumultuous window which, Hallgrimsson said on Saturday, had affected player welfare.
His own pre-match news conference was cut short after an argument involving two Israeli journalists, who reportedly were banned from both of Sunday's post-match news conferences.
- Israel cancel out Troy Parrott's penalty to hold Ireland to draw
- Ireland's pre-Israel presser abruptly ended after racism allegation
- Protesters interrupt Ireland game in call to boycott Israel match
The fortnight began with a disappointing loss to Kosovo, and ended with what Hallgrimsson felt was a contest that never found flight, at least partially, he posited, due to the lack of crowds.
"It was like a preseason club friendly," he said. "There was no spark in the game. It was difficult to motivate, especially for players who are now playing their fourth game.
"Six international flights for us, four countries, plus all the things that have been going on. We should have done better and killed the game off."
Information from PA and the Associated Press contributed to this report.