Former Ireland boss Martin O'Neill has questioned the aims of Stephen Kenny ahead of Ireland's European Championship qualifier against France this evening.
It is not the first time O'Neill taken aims Kenny's approach as Ireland manager, although the dig is more veiled this time around.
I don't know what Stephen [Kenny]'s job is, but I'll say this... mine was to qualify for the Euros. When John Delaney took me on in 2013, my job was to qualify for Euro 2016. That was it.
The only way for me to extend my contract into the World Cup campaign, was by making the Euros. This is what the Irish fans are looking for; qualification for these tournaments.
The Republic of Ireland, like Northern Ireland, don't qualify for too many competitions, even when they've got great players at their disposal. For one reason or another, they just haven't been able to do it.
Martin O'Neill Has History Of Having A Go At Stephen Kenny And His Team
28 February 2014; Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill and Stephen Kenny, Dundalk FC manager, in attendance at the 2014 SSE Airtricity League Launch. Aviva Stadium, Lansdowne Road, Dublin. Picture credit: David Maher / SPORTSFILE
READ HERE: Martin O'Neill Questions Ireland's Lack Of Progress Under Stephen Kenny
Considering Ireland were centimetres away from securing a opening draw with France, O'Neill's opinion is strange, and while Kenny's tactics in their loss against Greece were perhaps naive, he clearly believes his style is the best way forward.
And, again, there is no mention from O'Neill about the vastly superior players he had at his disposal during his reign.
"Jack Charlton did a fantastic job with a seriously brilliant group of players," continued O'Neill.
"When I first took the job on, of course I had all these visions of coming back to Dublin and finding big crowds celebrating in the streets because my team has given them something to cheer for.
"But I don't know whether that's Stephen's job. Stephen wants his team to play a possession-based style of football, and that's absolutely fine. And if your remit is not to worry about competitions, then again, that's fine.
"But I'm not so sure that's what the Irish fans are looking for. You've a generation of supporters here who are desperate to pass these memories on to their sons and daughters. That's so important. But, to qualify for these huge tournaments, you've got to start winning football matches."
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