Ex-Chelsea and France winger Florent Malouda has claimed that interim Republic of Ireland manager will be a success in his new role.
On Wednesday, the former Ireland and Manchester United defender was appointed head coach of the Republic of Ireland for their upcoming games against Belgium and Portugal in March. The FAI also announced that they would appoint a permanent coach in April.
The hunt for a new Ireland manager has been a long and drawn out process and many people have criticised the FAI for their failure to make a permanent appointment over 100 days on from Stephen Kenny's departure.
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Florent Malouda backs John O'Shea to thrive in Ireland interim role
However, Florent Malouda exclusively told Ladbrokes fanzone that Irish fans can be pleased with the appointment of O'Shea. The Frenchman came away impressed with the Waterford native when the pair undertook their coaching badges together:
My friend John O’Shea will be good in the role of Ireland manager and he is preparing for it. After you stop playing you have to create these opportunities. John is developing himself. We did the UEFA MIP masters together.
He has a similar profile to me, doing his coaching badges and making sure he stays relevant. He had that experience with Wayne Rooney at Birmingham. I think it’s a matter of confidence and O’Shea and I both have that.
Congrats, Sheasy 💚
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 28, 2024
Malouda, who won the Champions League and Premier League during his time with the Blues also spoke highly of Roy Keane.
In the case that John O'Shea is not given the job on a permanent basis, he thinks that Keane could perhaps could galvanise the new generation of Irish players.
Last time I met Roy Keane was at a charity match in Bulgaria for the Stiliyan Petrov Foundation. He’s got this [Ireland job] if he was offered the job in the future. I think Roy is working on his character and how he communicates! He belongs to Ireland though and I think he would inspire this new generation.
Whatever, the outcome of O'Shea's tenure with Ireland, everyone within Irish football can agree the sooner a permanent head coach is announced the better.
Ireland will play Hungary and Portugal in friendly games in June, before the get their UEFA Nations League campaign underway with the visit of England in September.
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