Tetchy.
Martin O’Neill was interviewed by RTE’s Tony O’Donoghue in the aftermath of Wednesday afternoon’s Nations League draw.
The word 'revenge' will crop up a lot https://t.co/DfFdSBINzQ
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) January 24, 2018
Apart from a cushy, one-on-one interview with the FAI last week, this was one of the first times we’d heard from the Republic of Ireland manager in light of recent speculation linking him to the Stoke City job.
In truth the whole situation was a bit of a mess. O’Neill was hesitant at signing a new contract to remain on as his country’s manager.
Speculation was rife that he and Roy Keane were set to step down from their duties, and little or no clarification was issued to Ireland supporters as to his position, with everything up in the air for a few days.
Eventually, the Stoke City job was taken by Paul Lambert, and a few days later – O’Neill signed the contract with the FAI.
From the outside looking in, many felt O’Neill was disrespectful to Ireland’s soccer following with this hesitancy and lack of conviction in his willingness to stay on.
O’Neill and Tony O’Donoghue have a frosty relationship at the best of times. Frequently in the past, O’Neill has been accused of being dismissive and arrogant in front of the Corkman.
Wednesday’s interview followed that script.
O’Neill bizarrely pulled O’Donoghue up on saying ‘hard luck’ to him after the Denmark 5-1 drubbing which ended our World Cup qualification hopes.
In Ireland, saying something like ‘hard luck’ after a loss is being polite. It’s the done thing. What did O’Neill want O’Donoghue to say to him?
It was unprofessional, it was unnecessary, it was uncalled for.
Martin O'Neill gives his reaction to the Republic of Ireland's Nations League draw and addresses recent speculation about his future #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/cLC1SiDARB
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) January 24, 2018
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