Greece 2-1 Republic of Ireland: I have to take criticism, says Republic boss Stephen Kenny

[ad_1]

19 minutes ago

Legend,

Kenny said his side had committed a “cardinal sin” by conceding just four minutes into the second half.

After losing to France in their opener, the Republic’s qualification hopes took another hit after a lackluster performance in Athens.

Speaking to RTE, a dejected-looking Kenny admitted the Republic had been beaten by the better side.

“The criticism is part of it and I have to accept that tonight,” he said.

“We wanted it to be better than tonight. At the same time, we were tight in the game at the end and had chances to equalise.

“We never gave up and kept going, but they had more control than us at night, that’s for sure.”

Greece, led by former Brighton and Sunderland boss Gus Poyet, took the lead through Anastasios Bakasetas’ 15th-minute penalty only for Nathan Collins to equalize for the Republic.

But Greece took advantage of the weak Irish defense to score the winner four minutes after the restart, much to Kenny’s chagrin.

“We committed the cardinal sin of giving up that goal four minutes into the half,” added the Dubliner.

“We were punished for poor defending there. We shouldn’t have been done the way we did.

image source, Getty Images

Legend,

The Republic of Ireland also started qualifying for the 2022 World Cup with back-to-back defeats.

“Greece are a good team and they played well. We had chances to equalize but overall that night they were better.”

Already six points off second place in Group B, the Republic still have to contend with a trip to France and home and away matches in the Netherlands.

They started qualifying for the 2022 World Cup with back-to-back defeats and Kenny admits it will be tough for his side to reach next summer’s European Championship in Germany.

“We have made it difficult for ourselves, but all we can do is prepare for Monday. [against Gibraltar].

“We have to focus and get back to winning ways.”

Kenny made four changes after the France loss with Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone rewarded for his impressive debut against Latvia and Norwich striker Adam Idah returning to partner Evan Ferguson in attack.

However, Kenny’s selection backfired and Ireland’s misery was compounded when Matt Doherty was sent off in the dying minutes after facing Greeks Kostas Tsimikas and Giorgos Tzavellas.

Reflecting on another disappointing result, midfielder Josh Cullen admitted the Republic weren’t good enough “in key moments”.

“We’re in pain,” Cullen told RTE.

“A tough night where we shot ourselves in the foot. We know that as a group. Everyone is gutted by the minute.

“It wasn’t good enough in the key moments tonight. That’s what made us lose the game.”

Regrouping for Gibraltar’s game on Monday at the Aviva Stadium, Cullen said: “It’s going to be tough [to pick it up against Gibraltar on Monday] but this is where we have to take it back as a group.

“We have to stick together. It’s going to hurt tonight and tomorrow, but we have to use that to fuel us for Monday.”

[ad_2]