“We’re hurting at the moment and we don’t have time for that.”
Stephen Kenny was ‘raging’ with the Republic of Ireland’s Nations League form as Ukraine beat them 1-0 at the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The Boys in Green are bottom of their group after two defeats in five days. Ireland are yet to win a game in the competition, as they failed at the 12th attempt.
Stephen Kenny reflects on the Nations League defeats.
Kenny was frustrated with Ireland’s back-to-back defeats against Armenia and Ukraine, as they had 27 shots combined on goal in the games.
The 50-year-old claimed his players don’t have time to feel sorry for themselves, with Scotland coming to the Aviva Stadium on Saturday for their third match in June.
“I’m just raging that we didn’t get one win in the two narrow games,” Kenny told reporters at the post-match press conference.
“We had built momentum and belief, but this has set us back.
“We’re hurting at the moment and we don’t have time for that, because of the quick turnaround.”
Kenny discusses the Ukraine loss.
Despite Ireland’s inability to win a competitive game at home for nearly three years, Kenny remains optimistic that his side can pick up points and avoid relegation.
Kenny described Ukraine’s goal as a ‘fluke’ and dismissed comments that his team are involved in a relegation battle.
“No, I don’t think so. We have 12 points to play for so it’s premature to say that. There are points to be won and that’s our intention,” Kenny added.
“Their goal is a fluke. A free-kick that takes a massive jump off the ball and goes into the net.
“We didn’t create loads of chances but neither did they. It was a very even game and we just came out on the wrong side of it.”
Ireland’s third game in this year’s Nations League campaign is against Scotland on Saturday, with a 5:00 pm kick-off at the Aviva Stadium.
Related links:
- Player ratings as Ireland lose 1-0 to Ukraine in the Uefa Nations League.
- Jason Knight’s frustration during post-match TV interview sums up Ireland performance.
- Eamon Dunphy says Callum Robinson is Ireland’s most ‘overhyped’ player.
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