Stephen Kenny has insisted he has not sought assurances over his future as Republic of Ireland manager despite facing mounting criticism.
Kenny’s position has been questioned and potential successors touted in the wake of a hugely disappointing 2-1 Euro 2024 qualifying defeat in Greece on Friday evening which left Ireland’s hopes of making it to the finals in severe jeopardy after just two games.
However, asked if he had been given any assurances by the Football Association of Ireland that he would see out the campaign, the 51-year-old replied: “I haven’t sought any assurance. That’s not something I do.”
Kenny, who complained about “a lack of respect” at his pre-match press conference, was asked how he felt he was doing as Ireland manager.
Lautaro Martinez dismissed speculation over a move to Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain, stating he hopes to become a legend at Inter.
Chelsea, Bayern and PSG are among a host of Europe s elite clubs that have repeatedly been linked to the forward, who will aim for World Cup glory with Argentina in November.
Julian Nagelsmann s side remain on the hunt for a like-for-like replacement for Robert Lewandowski, while Martinez s Argentina team-mate Lionel Messi could draw the Inter star to the French capital.
However, Martinez refuted reports of a move away from San Siro as he outlined his long-term ambitions with Inter.
I m fine, I m happy here, Martinez told Rai Sport. I hope I can become a legend, I have a contract here and I only think about Inter.
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The Football Association (FA) will investigate the 2009 transfer of defender Gael Givet from Marseille to Blackburn.
The Frenchman told English newspaper The Sun that he was forced to pay money to an unlicensed agent to help complete his 3.5-million-pound move to Ewood Park in June 2009.
FA rules prevent payments to unlicenced third-parties, and Blackburn s alleged breach comes just weeks after newly-promoted Premier League side Queens Park Rangers was fined 875,000 pounds for a similar offence.
A FA spokesman confirmed on Tuesday the FA would look at evidence before deciding whether to investigate the matter further.
We will be looking into the material and the issues that may be raised by the content, the spokesman said.
Givet, 29, has won 13 …
Johan Elmander leads a host of names preparing to leave English Premier League club Bolton Wanderers.
Sweden forward Elmander who hit 12 goals in all competitions for Bolton elected not to sign a new deal at Bolton and joins Jlloyd Samuel, Joey O Brien and Tamir Cohen in leaving the club on free transfers.
Elmander arrived at the Reebok Stadium in 2008 for a club-record deal of 8.2 million pounds, but is now expected to join Turkish club Galatasaray.
Owen Coyle paid tribute to the departing quartet, who have all been at the club for multiple seasons.
I wish all the players who are departing the club all the very best, Coyle said.
I want to thank them for their efforts and professionalism. Ultimately when these decisions come about they re made …