I feel sorry for the manager – Chiedozie Ogbene sympathises with Stephen Kenny
Chiedozie Ogbene has admitted he feels sorry for under-fire Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny after his lingering hopes of Euro 2024 qualification were finally dashed. Kenny’s reign seemingly reached the point of no return on Friday night when a 2-0 home defeat by Greece left his team with just three points from a possible 18 in Group B and mathematically unable to clinch a place in the top two. Ireland head for Gibraltar on Monday evening with only pride at stake and while Kenny received assurances last week that he would remain in charge until after next month’s fixtures, discontent with the direction of travel under his charge has reached fever pitch. I actually feel sorry for the manager Republic of Ireland international Chiedozie Ogbene Asked about the manager’s future, Luton striker Ogbene reflected on early chances which went begging and said: “Had we scored those chances, then the game would be different. “We would have been 2-0 up. But we didn’t take those chances and a positive start ends up negatively. “I actually feel sorry for the manager. We were not sharp in our decision-making and overall it is disappointing, the result.” Kenny took over from Mick McCarthy in April 2020 and vowed to shake up the squad he inherited. He has since blooded a new generation of young players and tried to implement a more progressive brand of football. Unfortunately for him, potential has not yielded results and his team have won just five of the 27 competitive games they have played. Four of those victories have come against lower-ranked sides – Azerbaijan, Luxembourg, Armenia and Gibraltar – with a Nations League success against Scotland the exception. Qualification from a group which also includes World Cup runners-up France and the Netherlands was always a big ask, but five defeats in six games tell their own story. Even a handsome victory over Gibraltar in Faro would do little to quell the negativity surrounding Kenny’s reign, but Celtic defender Liam Scales, who made his senior international debut against Greece, insists there will be no shortage of motivation. Scales said: “Look, it’s never hard to lift yourself to play for your country. Obviously I’ve only done it once, but the lads will tell you that it’s the best thing you can do as a footballer. “As players, we’ll be motivated to go there and put on a performance. As disappointed as we are, it’s playing for the jersey now. “Obviously qualification is done and that’s that. But we’re playing for the jersey and pride now. We’re all proud to be wearing the jersey and we’ll go to Gibraltar, hopefully get a result and do better.” Read More Gareth Southgate questions why England fans booed Jordan Henderson Stephen Kenny admits Republic of Ireland ‘needed to win’ against Greece Ben Davies: Wales go into Croatia clash believing anything’s possible Matty Jones says late Wales Under-21s draw in Czech Republic ‘feels like a win’ Stephen Kenny under pressure as Ireland’s qualification hopes come to end England and Australia observe silence for those killed in Israel and Gaza
2023-10-14 16:00
Wimbledon 2023: Alcaraz gets top seed; Djokovic seeks 8th title at All England Club
The Associated Press takes a look at some of the top men at Wimbledon in 2023
2023-06-30 03:21
WNBA MVP Rankings: Why Alyssa Thomas is in the race
Alyssa Thomas may not be able to catch Breanna Stewart or A'ja Wilson in the WNBA MVP race but her unique game and versatile dominance make her worth celebrating.
2023-09-02 03:39
Genshin Impact The Missing Miner Quest Explained
Here's how to complete The Missing Miner Quest in Genshin Impact.
1970-01-01 08:00
Former Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy found not guilty of rape and attempted rape
Former Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy has asked for privacy to begin "rebuilding his life" after he was found not guilty on a charge of rape and a separate charge of attempted rape.
2023-07-15 10:16
Eflin earns his 12th win and Arozarena hits a 2-run homer as the Rays beat the Yankees 5-2
Zach Eflin pitched six shutout innings of three-hit ball to become the American League’s first 12-game winner, Randy Arozarena hit a two-run homer off Carlos Rodón and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the New York Yankees 5-2
2023-08-02 11:17
Sri Lankans jump ship as a bankrupt nation struggles
The snaking queues for food and fuel that crisscrossed Sri Lanka last year have given way to a different kind of line -- people scrambling for travel...
2023-07-07 11:27
Billionaire Maersk Family Forms Green Methanol Firm for Shipping
The billionaire family behind A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S is forming a new company that will produce green methanol in
2023-09-14 12:00
'Today' host Al Roker says he's 'excited' to be a grandfather as he shares heartfelt message for daughter Courtney
Al Roker is the proudest grandfather as he can't wait for his daughter Courtney Roker's 'baby girl' to arrive
2023-06-05 11:08
Who is Lil Tay's mother? Angela Tian accused of taking advantage of her daughter's online fame
Lil Tay was found dead on August 9 at the age of 14 years
2023-08-10 15:39
Michigan barely escapes Maryland upset bid: Best memes and tweets
Social media users reacted to the Michigan Wolverines narrowly defeating the Maryland Terrapins 31-24 in Week 12 of the season.
2023-11-19 06:17
Pakistani police arrest former Prime Minister Imran Khan
Pakistani police on Saturday arrested former Prime Minister Khan at his home in the eastern city of Lahore
2023-08-05 16:31
You Might Like...
Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for August 27
Rays manager Cash believes ace McClanahan can avoid IL due to mid-back tightness
Trump says DeSantis to blame for Disney becoming ‘woke’ and ‘disgusting’
Donald Trump wants future Republican debates to be canceled after refusing to participate in them
German Rail Passengers Face More Turmoil After Wage Talks Stall
Zooey Deschanel and Jonathan Scott set to wed
Who is Afzal Butt? Viral video shows cab driver being beaten up on busy NYC street as people watched
'The View' host Alyssa Farah Griffin praises Megyn Kelly and Kristen Welker for 'sharp' interview with Donald Trump
