Stephen Kenny on New Zealand clash: ‘If it is my last game, so be it’

Ireland boss Stephen Kenny

Ireland boss Stephen Kenny Credit: Conor Ryan (ETPhotos)

Ireland boss Stephen Kenny has defended his side’s most recent loss against the Netherlands - by making reference to previous bad results.

The Boys in Green concluded their Euro 2024 qualification campaign on Saturday night with a 1-0 loss against the Dutch in Amsterdam.

But the defeat means Ireland bowed out of qualifying with only two wins - their worst showing in over 50 years.

Although, Kenny asked for perspective ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium.

"We played Holland the other night and they are one of the best teams in Europe,” he said. “People will have their own opinions on it but I thought it was a good game of football.

“Holland were the better team but we fought to the end of that game. 

“We didn't create enough, we know that and we defended for our lives when we needed to. It wasn't like we lost 4-1 to Wales or got hammered in Cyprus or Macedonia the other night. 

“It was a tight game in Holland that we lost 1-0 and deserved to lose. It was one of those games, I think with a bit of perspective on that.”

But while he is insistent that his side deserve some credit for their display in Holland, Kenny admits his own future as boss is still up in the air.

“I sought clarification before this window in regard to my own position and if that wasn’t the case, I would have made that clear earlier in the week,” the former Longford Town and Dundalk boss explained.



"But from my point of view, the decision is being made next week. 

If it is my last game, so be it. 

“And if there is a new manager to follow me in that regard, I’ll wish him well, if that is the case and they make that decision. 

“Regardless of what decision is made and if there is a new manager to come in after me, I’ll wish them well, and I’ll wish the team well moving forward. 

“I’ll always support Ireland, so from that point of view, that’s the way I view it."

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