In a recent announcement, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has confirmed that Stephen Kenny will continue to steer the Republic of Ireland’s national football team through the remainder of the Euro 2024 campaign. This decision comes in the wake of mounting pressure on Kenny following the Republic’s defeat by the Netherlands, which effectively dashed their hopes of qualifying for the upcoming Euro finals.
FAI CEO Jonathan Hill addressed reporters in Dublin, shedding light on the association’s decision. Kenny is set to remain at the helm for the three remaining qualifying games, as well as the November friendly against New Zealand. However, a comprehensive review of his tenure will take place following these matches.
The Republic of Ireland’s upcoming fixtures include clashes with Greece and Gibraltar in October, followed by a pivotal showdown with the Dutch in November, which will conclude their qualifying campaign. Before that, they will engage in a friendly match against New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium on the 21st of November.
Sunday’s 2-1 loss to the Netherlands in Dublin marked the fourth defeat in five qualifiers for the Republic under Kenny’s leadership. During his tenure, the team has managed to secure victory in just five out of 26 competitive games.
Although there remains a slim chance of reaching the Euros in Germany via a play-off in March, the FAI has refrained from confirming whether Kenny will continue to lead the team if this qualifying opportunity materializes.
Speaking at a media briefing in Dublin, Hill expressed the collective desire to see the Republic qualify for major tournaments, emphasizing that this aspiration is shared by both the public and the FAI. Despite the recent setbacks, he stated, “I know the manager and players are fully focused on the remaining matches this year, and they will prepare for and deliver those games accordingly.”
Hill highlighted that, as with the women’s World Cup campaign, an in-depth review of the entire Euro 2024 campaign would be conducted following the final friendly match against New Zealand. The FAI board will subsequently convene to assess the results of this review and determine the next steps.
When questioned about Kenny’s future beyond the upcoming matches, Hill remained non-committal, stating, “We will go through the games in October and November, review where we are and see what position we are in.”
Despite the recent challenges and uncertainties, Kenny himself has expressed his expectation to continue leading the team throughout the campaign, acknowledging that his future beyond that point remains uncertain. Midfielder Jamie McGrath echoed support for Kenny, asserting, “It goes without saying the gaffer’s the right man for the job.”
As the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2024 journey unfolds, the footballing world will be keenly watching to see if Kenny can rally the team and overcome the odds to secure their place in the finals. The road ahead may be uncertain, but one thing remains clear: Kenny’s leadership will be under close scrutiny as he guides his team through this critical phase of the campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Stephen Kenny Euro 2024
Q: Why is Stephen Kenny continuing as Republic of Ireland boss for the Euro 2024 campaign?
A: Stephen Kenny is continuing as the Republic of Ireland boss for the Euro 2024 campaign despite recent setbacks because the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has decided to give him the opportunity to lead the team through the remaining qualifying matches and a friendly against New Zealand. The FAI aims to assess the team’s performance and Kenny’s leadership more comprehensively after these matches.
Q: What were the recent challenges faced by the Republic of Ireland under Stephen Kenny’s leadership?
A: The Republic of Ireland faced several challenges under Stephen Kenny’s leadership, including a 2-1 defeat by the Netherlands, which effectively ended their hopes of qualifying for the Euro 2024 finals. This loss was the fourth defeat in five qualifiers, and the team has won only five out of 26 competitive games during Kenny’s tenure.
Q: Are there chances for the Republic of Ireland to qualify for Euro 2024 through a play-off?
A: Yes, there is a slim chance for the Republic of Ireland to qualify for Euro 2024 through a play-off in March. However, the FAI has not confirmed whether Stephen Kenny will remain in charge if this qualifying opportunity becomes a reality. The decision will likely depend on the team’s performance in the upcoming matches.
Q: When will a comprehensive review of Stephen Kenny’s tenure take place?
A: A comprehensive review of Stephen Kenny’s tenure as Republic of Ireland boss will take place after the remaining three qualifying matches and the friendly against New Zealand, which are scheduled to conclude in November. The FAI board will then meet to consider this review and determine the next steps for the team.
Q: Who expressed support for Stephen Kenny despite the recent challenges?
A: Midfielder Jamie McGrath expressed support for Stephen Kenny, stating that Kenny is the right man for the job. McGrath’s statement reflects the belief of both players and Kenny himself that he is capable of leading the team through the challenges they currently face.
More about Stephen Kenny Euro 2024
- FAI Official Website
- Republic of Ireland National Team
- Euro 2024 Qualification
- Stephen Kenny’s Coaching Career
- Recent Republic of Ireland Matches
