Former Manchester United and Ireland captain Roy Keane has confirmed that he discussed the possibility of becoming the Ireland national team manager earlier this year. The talks followed Stephen Kenny’s departure in November, but no agreement was reached.
Keane, who served as assistant to former Ireland boss Martin O’Neill for five years until 2018, reflected fondly on his time with the national team. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, he said, “I did enjoy the international set-up when I was working with Martin as a coach. I like the dynamics, the flow of international football. It wasn’t 24 hours a day, but you’re still working at a good level.”
When asked by former teammate Gary Neville if he had spoken to the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), Keane confirmed, “Yes. You speak to lots of teams. Just because you speak to people, it doesn’t mean to say… The hardest part is getting the deal done.”
Keane expressed frustration with the negotiation process, noting, “Lots of people and lots of clubs that I’ve spoken to over the years are just wasting your time. It’s a bit of PR, they’re ticking a few boxes. They want to link you with the job and you meet people and as soon as you sit down with them and they start talking numbers, you are like, ‘Really? Come on’.”
Despite his disappointment, Keane remains open to future opportunities in management. “What I have now at the moment is I’ve great freedom in my life. I answer to nobody. I do what I want,” he said. “The only thing I have inside me is – I know I’m going back a long time and obviously I worked with Martin for a while with Ireland – I do think I could do a good job.”
Keane, who previously managed Sunderland and Ipswich, acknowledged his lingering desire to return to management. “Maybe it’s a bit of ego, I don’t know. Maybe that will never leave me. But also if I didn’t go back into management, I’m fine with that. I’ve a great life. I’ve never been so contented in my life, so be careful what you wish for.”
While Keane is one of several names linked to the Ireland job, including Lee Carsley, Anthony Barry, Gus Poyet, Willy Sagnol, Chris Coleman, Chris Hughton, and Neil Lennon, the position remains unfilled. John O’Shea, Keane’s former United and Ireland teammate. Has also emerged as a potential candidate after taking charge of friendly matches in March and June.
Keane concluded with a reflection on his current state of contentment, while still acknowledging his belief in his managerial capabilities. “I still have a feeling I could do something. Maybe that will never leave me. That’s not a bad thing. But also, I’m very comfortable with what I’m doing.”
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