Stephen Kenny claims the fixture schedule for the Nations League favours the top seeds in the group.
And that’s why he is calling on his Ireland players not to pull out of the hectic summer window of four games in 12 days.
“We need everyone,” he said. “We can't have anyone pulling out in June, so we'll email all our players. We need everyone because this tournament is important to us.”
Ireland were last night drawn in a group B1 alongside Ukraine, Scotland and Armenia and all teams face four matches in June and two more in September.
Ireland host Ukraine in their opening game on June 4 before a lengthy trip to Yerevan to face Armenia on June 7.
The Boys in Green are then back in Dublin to face Scotland on June 11 before another gruelling trek to Ukraine on June 14.
Kenny said today of the yo-yo nature of the logistics: “I think it is only ourselves and Armenia that have those double trips.
“They seem to be favouring the top seeds in relation to Ukraine playing Scotland and Ireland in the one trip.
“Scotland have two home games to start. You know, we have been given a tough schedule of matches, the way it has turned out.
“Nevertheless it shouldn’t make us any less determined to get positive results. We have had positive results of late and Cristiano Ronaldo's late goal is our only defeat in 10.”
Kenny - who said there was “no update” on his ongoing contract talks with the FAI - is still targeting a top two finish in the group.
UEFA have yet to confirm it but top spot will be enough to secure a Euro 2024 playoff and second spot could as well.
But those four games in June and the travel involved will be a considerable challenge for the manager and his players.
Kenny said: “I do think we have built a squad. Apart from being able to cope with losing players and so fourth, we are able to cope with the demands of a four game window.
“That’s why we have been building a squad with two players that can play right wing back, two players that can play left wing back, five centre backs, four midfielders.
“We are building a squad that we are going to need. It will not be a set 11 for these four games, there will be an element of rotation and so will the other teams.”
And the Ireland boss added: “Yes, we are third seeds so third favourites to win the group.
“But our ambition is to win the group, or at least to try and qualify to get a playoff place for the European Championships.
“That's the ultimate goal to qualify for the European Championships in Germany, first place in the Nations League gets you a playoff, second, I am informed, is most likely to.”
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