Group D: Rep of Ire v SlovakiaLee Carsley has denied hinting that Steve Staunton gave few instructions to his Republic of Ireland team before Saturday's win against Wales.
Following the unimpressive 1-0 victory, Carsley was quoted as saying: "He just named the team, and didn't really go through any roles to be honest."
Staunton has been accused of being tactically naive but Carsley insists that preparations were "fantastic".
"Everyone knew their roles in the team," said Carsley on Sunday.
The Everton midfielder was asked the initial question on Saturday in relation to Stephen Ireland's switch to a more central role midway through the first half against the Welsh.
But on Sunday, Carsley said that "the quotes were taken out of context."
He added: "The question was about the instruction coming onto the pitch in the second half when they were on top.
"There wasn't any instruction because you haven't got time to stop the game, look over at the bench and say `oh, shall we do this'.
"Any question of unrest in the dressing room is wide of the mark"
"You have to try to do it yourself."
That is at odds with what was actually asked, although Carsley also claims he "misinterpreted" the question.
However, Carsley insisted that the players have full confidence in Staunton.
"Any question of unrest in the dressing room is wide of the mark. We prepared properly and everyone knew their roles in the team.
"Preparation is more or less the same for every game. We will watch videos on the opposition and set up how we are going to play.
"We'll have some idea of what system they're going to play, and we will work from there."
Despite the criticism that has surrounded Staunton following his appointment, Carsley said: "I've been very impressed (with him).
"He's a good manager to play for, we're well prepared and we're enjoying it."
"With quotes, the first bit is taken and the rest is forgotten about"
Staunton's mistrust and cynicism of the media is well known, and he could not hide that again when quizzed on the `Carsley quotes' subject.
"We know the carry-on in this country now. It's great," replied Staunton sarcastically.
"With quotes, the first bit is taken and the rest is forgotten about.
"He said something, but if the whole sentence had been quoted then there wouldn't be a problem.
"He was very unhappy last night because we didn't know what was said, but we found out the truth."
Staunton's side struggled on what was an historic occasion at Croke Park against a very disappointing Wales team.
However somehow, the Republic are still in with a fighting chance of qualifying as they have taken 10 points from their last four matches.
Germany's win over the Czech Republic on Saturday means Staunton's side are now level on points with the second-placed Czechs who have played a game less.