“Here we are talking about Ireland in a relegation game against Armenia.”
Damien Delaney took a cold, hard look at the record of Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny after his side lost 2-1 to Scotland, at Hampden Park.
The former Crystal Palace and Ireland defender has been a tough, but not over-reactionary, critic of Kenny and remains unconvinced that the country are making significant progress under the Dubliner.
Ireland have a 25% winning record under Kenny and have struggled in two Nations League and one World Cup qualifying campaign, as well as missing out on Euro 2020. They have had a few notable victories but Ireland have lost 12 games under the former Dundalk and Ireland U21 boss.
Following Ireland’s 2-1 defeat to Scotland, which leaves them facing a Nations League relegation decider against Armenia, Delaney said:
“[The Euro 2024 qualifiers] look like they’ll decide Stephen Kenny’s future. He’s two years in the job and, when you look at his track record, what is it? Lost the play-off. Finished second bottom in his first Nations League. Bulgaria had two points, we had three. Out of the [World Cup] very, very early…finished third in that group, and very nearly fourth, but managed to get away with it. And now finish second bottom.
“When you put that all out in front of you and look at it, that is not a very good record.”
🗣 "Look at his track record. Lost the play-off. Finished second bottom in his first Nations League. Out of the World Cup very early. And now finish second bottom.
🗣 "We've had Covid. Give him the rebuild.
🗣 "How long does this go on for?"#SCOIRL | #COYBIG | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/Dr3UBD5r1x
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) September 24, 2022
Damien Delaney cuts to core of Stephen Kenny reign
During the post-match debate on Stephen Kenny, Damien Delaney acknowledged how the Ireland boss is trying to blood new players, introduce a new playing style and had to deal with Covid disruptions.
However, he still expects better from Kenny’s side, “How long does this go on for? How long do you keep saying, ‘We’re going somewhere, we’re going somewhere?’
“At some point, it’s like quick-sand and we’re sinking. It’ll possibly be Group C in the next Nations League campaign. Our seeding is dropping and it will get harder and harder for us.”
Katie Taylor on the phone call she received from Roy Keane after the 2016 Olympics
