Gus Poyet cools interest in Ireland job

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Greece manager Gus Poyet has downplayed the rumours circulating about him taking charge of the Irish national team.

The former Chelsea midfielder’s side had two recent encounters with Ireland in the qualifying stage for Euro 2024. His side came out on top in both games, 2-1 in Athens and 2-0 winners in the Aviva Stadium. 

The latter game shocked Poyet with how popular the national team are in Ireland, and the quality of the atmosphere despite falling 2-0 at home.

However when the FAI received their list of candidates for potential successors to Stephen Kenny, they were not expecting to see Gus Poyet’s name on the list.

In a Carlsberg 0.0 promotion on January 29th, Poyet was asked about the potential of taking the Irish job; 

“When I played here with Greece, I was very surprised and very happy with the support of the national team. I felt it was important to say because it was a great night. 

“Someone said, “oh maybe there is a position” and my answer was that my contract was up in December at the time, without knowing if I was qualifying or not.”

Poyet and Greece turn their attention to Kazakhstan in the first qualifying playoff, where they are expected to emerge victorious. The Greek manager is focused on that upcoming fixture.

“I say the truth: my contract runs out March 31st, independently of the results of the playoff, so we’ll see. I am fully focused on the playoff. It is our priority to go to the Euros after 10 years since Greece went to a big competition.”

Many names have been linked with the Irish job, such as Lee Carsley and Neil Lennon who have been favourite with the bookmakers throughout the search to find Stephen Kenny’s replacement. 



Last week, former Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane expressed an interest in becoming Irish manager.

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