Ireland ended the year disappointingly with a 1-1 home draw against New Zealand, and coach Stephen Kenny stated that he is not optimistic about renewing his contract after a poor run in the Euro 2024 football qualifiers. Ireland exited the qualifiers with only six points from eight matches, securing two wins against the modest Gibraltar team. They concluded their qualifying journey with a 1-0 away defeat against the Netherlands last Sunday. The friendly draw against New Zealand, ranked 103rd in the world, in Dublin is expected to be Kenny's last official match.
Kenny said on Tuesday, "The board of the Irish Football Association will meet next week. They have to make a decision, and I respect that decision whatever it may be. Of course, it would be great to continue leading the team, but my gut feeling tells me that won’t happen. The signs suggest that it probably won't happen, and I respect that decision too." The 52-year-old coach replaced Mick McCarthy in 2020 and signed a new contract to remain in his position even after the Euro 2024 tournament.
Kenny added, "The dressing room was full of emotions with the players. 90% of the players, and perhaps more than 95%, are developing. Coaching this team has been a huge privilege. The greatest honor you could receive. We have faced many setbacks, and I think that is why I am not getting a new contract if that is the case. International football is unforgiving; that is its nature. I know that. That’s how it goes."
