Ireland soccer manager: Kenny stays on despite latest setback

Stephen Kenny to remain as Republic of Ireland manager despite Nations League defeat

FAI board back Kenny after 1-0 loss to Armenia

Stephen Kenny will remain as the Republic of Ireland manager despite their latest setback, a 1-0 defeat to Armenia in the Nations League.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) board met on Tuesday to discuss Kenny's future, but they have decided to keep faith with the 51-year-old.

Kenny has been under pressure after Ireland's poor run of form, which has seen them win just one of their last 11 games.

However, the FAI board has been impressed by Kenny's work behind the scenes, and they believe that he is the right man to lead Ireland to the 2024 European Championships.

"The board has decided to retain Stephen Kenny as manager of the Republic of Ireland senior men's team," the FAI said in a statement.

"The board believes that Stephen is the right person to lead the team to the European Championships in 2024.

"The board is confident that Stephen will continue to develop the team and achieve success in the future."

Kenny said he was "delighted" to have the backing of the FAI board.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to continue as manager of the Republic of Ireland," he said.

"I believe that we have a talented squad of players who can achieve success in the future.

"I am committed to working hard to improve the team and achieve our goals."

Kenny's next game in charge of Ireland will be a friendly against Norway on November 17.

Ireland will then face Scotland in a Nations League match on September 24, 2023.

Reaction to the FAI's decision

The FAI's decision to keep Kenny as manager has been met with mixed reactions.

Some fans are happy that Kenny has been given another chance, while others believe that it is time for a change.

Former Ireland international Kevin Kilbane believes that Kenny deserves more time.

"I think Stephen Kenny deserves to stay on as manager," Kilbane said.

"He's had a tough time, but he's a good manager and he's got a good squad of players.

"I think he can turn things around and get Ireland to the European Championships."

However, former Ireland manager Mick McCarthy believes that it is time for a change.

"I think it's time for a change," McCarthy said.

"I don't think Stephen Kenny is the right man for the job.

"I think Ireland need a manager with more experience."

It remains to be seen whether Kenny can turn things around and lead Ireland to the European Championships.

However, the FAI board has shown faith in him, and he will now have the chance to prove that he is the right man for the job.