Stephen Kenny’s future hangs in the balance on the “biggest of nights”, knowing only a win will do

Rory Fleming

It is now or never for this Stephen Kenny Ireland team…

The Republic of Ireland are staring down the barrel of yet another calamitous major tournament qualification campaign, as they head into this evening’s clash against the Netherlands knowing that only a win will suffice in maintaining any realistic hopes of making it to Germany next summer.

Prior to this latest round of international fixtures, it had already been reported that should Stephen Kenny fail to pick up at least two points in his next two games, that the FAI would call time on the former Dundalk boss’ reign.

Having already fallen to a drab 2-0 defeat away to the French without so much as throwing a punch, it is now do or die for this Stephen Kenny Ireland team as Virgil van Dijk’s Dutch team roll into town on Sunday night.

The manager himself appears to cognisant of the situation too, as he admitted this weekend that anything other than a win would all but spell the end of Ireland’s Euros dream.

Ireland manager Stephen Kenny was speaking to the media ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Dutch. (Credit: Sportsfile)

Stephen Kenny on the precipice ahead of pivotal night:

Speaking to the media yesterday ahead of tonight’s game, Kenny stated;

“I am only focused on tomorrow night. It’s a big night, a very big night and we do need a victory. We need a victory.

“A draw wouldn’t mathematically put us out of it, but we have a desire to get a win. Holland likewise will come and be very determined to get a win themselves.”

When questioned about his own future, the 51-year-old was bullish in his assertion that he will continue to see out Ireland’s qualification campaign, even should they fail to secure the required victory.

“Yes I do (intend to stay on)… I’ve prepared this team for the Championships.

“We play holland tomorrow, then two games in October and the final qualifier in November. So yeah, absolutely.

“After that it’s up to other people people to decide. Really, I’m just focused on tomorrow. I don’t seek assurances.”

Wanting impress upon Irish fans and the media that the magnitude of Ireland’s Dutch challenge was not lost on him, Kenny added;

“We’re going to have to put in the performance of our lives and we’re determined to do that.

“We need goals in the team… be aggressive in our approach and also be composed in the cauldron of the Aviva.”

They sound like fighting words from Stephen Kenny, but it may be too little too late. The picture remains murky as of now, but come 9.30pm on Sunday evening, the future of the Irish managerial position should be crystal clear.

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