Stephen Kenny: ‘It’s clear what our objectives are, criticism is part of it, and I can accept that'

Seán O’Connor reports from FAI HQ in Abbotstown

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny is hoping for his first competitive win at the 13th attempt this Saturday when his side travel to Baku to face Azerbaijan. 

Although it’s a effectively a dead rubber, with both sides still winless in this campaign, it is an opportunity for Kenny to silence the noise surrounding his contract, which will be reviewed next month. Kenny’s contract runs until July next year, but the Ireland boss remains fully focused on this international window.

“We’ve had two training days here, and we fly tomorrow,” said Kenny when he met with the media in Dublin oon Tuesday afternoon. “We will train Thursday and Friday in Baku. Our preparations will hopefully be good and we’re looking forward to the game. The team is evolving, and we want to get the win.

“We want to win the game, that’s the objective. We want to put in a good performance and get the victory we desire. We had three good games in the last window. The players attitude and spirit are excellent. It’s clear what our objectives are, criticism is part of it, and I can accept that. I am not above criticism.”

Reflecting on last month’s home draw with Azerbaijan, Kenny said that while much of the first half display was disappointing, the side can take positives from their second half performance. 

“We have to improve on our first half display. But we came out of the blocks brilliantly in the first 15 minutes and had three great chances, which we didn’t take.

"They retained possession really well in their own half, so we need to modify our pressing strategy. In the second half we increased the intensity of our play. Shane scored of course, but we didn’t take a lot of the chances that we had.”

Despite not having scored a competitive goal for Ireland yet, Kenny told the press about the impact of Corkman Adam Idah, who played under Kenny at under-21 level.

“Adam performed very well in the previous international. He led the line well and ran the channels. He offered a threat with his pace in the games. He’s the highest goal scorer among underage Ireland teams, so it’s only a matter of time.

“He’s found minutes hard to come by at Norwich at the moment. His main performances have been in the Carabao cup and the Ireland internationals. Ideally we want our young players playing more frequently, but sometimes it’s not possible”. 

Perhaps the biggest talking point of last week’s squad announcement was the inclusion of Wigan striker Will Keane. Keane, who declared for Ireland in 2019, earned his first call up after scoring five goals in ten games so far this season.

Asked if the 28-year-old is in contention to start on Saturday, Kenny said “maybe not”. 

“He’s tall, very intelligent and his technique is very good. He can play as a nine or a ten. He links the play well and gets in the box. He may be involved”.

With Gavin Bazunu now Ireland’s first choice goalkeeper, Kenny spoke of how highly he rates the 19-year-old, who may earn his eight cap on Saturday. 

“Gavin is a very special young man. He trains exceptionally well and shows great confidence. That said, you have to continually do well, and there’s no doubt that he has the potential to have a very good career. Hopefully he can put in a good performance on Saturday”. 

FAI Cup semi-finals confirmed for October 22nd both with 7.45pm ko https://t.co/3pjIYPLBhUpic.twitter.com/UCIDHT8t4W

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