Brian Kerr has once again criticised Stephen Kenny after the Republic of Ireland's disappointing defeat at home to Ukraine in the UEFA Nations League.
Kerr appeared on Virgin Media with Keith Treacy to analyse Ireland's 1-0 loss to Ukraine. The ex-Ireland manager, who has been an outspoken critic of Kenny in the past, refuted the Ireland manager's claims that his side were unlucky.
“I’m not sure what he meant. He probably meant that it was harsh for them to lose the game,” said Kerr.
“Stephen mentioned there wasn’t many chances and that it was a very tactical game. That’s often the way international football is.
“So many times after matches he says we were unlucky.
“You can't always say we were unlucky."
This is the second time that Kerr has criticised Kenny and the team in recent days. Just last night, Kerr accused Kenny of putting a 'blinkered view' on poor results.
Kerr feels as though tonight's defeat had nothing to do with luck, and believes that Ukraine "controlled possession", were "more threatening" and "looked a more constructive and composed team." Additionally, Kerr spoke at length about how Ireland are simply not good enough at both ends of the pitch.
“Why did we lose the two games?" said Kerr.
“(We lost) Because we conceded the goal in each game games.
“Armenia made the better chances and clear cut chances in the second half.
“You get punished if you can’t do it in the final third of the pitch and if you can’t defend well at your own end
“But there’s lost of areas of the pitch that are just not good enough."
Kerr saved his most scathing comments for Kenny's philosophy and style of play. While a much more modern and progressive playing style was touted as the reason for hiring Kenny, Kerr believes that most of Ireland's success under the Dubliner has come from a more traditional type of Irish football.
He said: “Most of our chances came from the old methodology of the biff, bang, wallop, get the centre halves in the box and boot it in there job.
“It’s the auld scramble stuff and then Duffy headers it off the bar.
“That was our main route to almost getting a goal.
“Through Stephen’s reign most of the goals have come from that method and not from constructive, flamboyant football.
“Generally, it’s this get it out wide, get players into the box and hope for a break off Duffy.
Ireland go again on Saturday evening in another do or die Nations League Clash with Scotland. With two defeats in two games, Kenny's goal of topping the group is already in tatters.
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