Former France manager Raymond Domenech is a peekaboo Ireland fan.
He revealed that he came close to replacing Mick McCarthy as manager in 2003. Unfortunately for Raymond, he lost out on the job he would have “adored” to Brian Kerr, he told the Guardian.
“I made it on to a three-man shortlist for the Ireland job and was interviewed for it in Paris. In the end they decided to give it to an Irishman, Brian Kerr, but I would have adored it if I’d got it. I love Ireland and the Irish. I love the atmosphere there.”
Domenech explained that his love of the Irish team began at the 1994 and like all good love stories, alcohol played a pivotal role.
“I’m always upset when Ireland don’t make it to a big tournaments because they bring a brilliant atmosphere. When I went to the World Cup in 1994 I made sure I went to wherever the Irish fans were because there was always a drink and a good vibe.”
Domenech was in charge of the French team that defeated Ireland 1-0 at Landsdowne Road in the qualification for the 2006 World Cup. He was apprehensive about how the fans would react to him while he was leaving the ground after his side dented Irish hopes of qualification, but this feeling quickly dissipated. In fact, he was very impressed with how the supporters treated him.
“The press had twisted some comments I’d made beforehand and after the game I had to walk through a load of supporters. I hesitated, thinking: ‘Oh shit, this could be trouble,’ but I pressed ahead.”
“Everyone just patted me on the back saying: ‘Well done, good game.’ I couldn’t believe it. It was like: ‘OK, we played, we lost, let’s have a drink together.’ I love that attitude. It would have been great to have been Ireland manager. I am always upset when they don’t make it to a major tournament.”
Domenech wished Ireland well in their Euro 2016 campaign, although he hinted that there might not be much joy for Irish supporters considering they’ve drawn a tough group alongside Belgium, Italy and Sweden.
“I hope so, because they can get drunk and stay happy. And that’s a good thing because they’re in a hellish group. Mind you, that will suit them. They love a battle.”
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