Stephen Kenny says he is “realistic” about his long-term prospects as Ireland boss but is adamant that he will be in charge for the November international window no matter what happens in tomorrow’s qualifier away to the group’s bottom side, Gibraltar. Kenny heads into the penultimate game in the group with a return of just three points from six games.
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Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani has withdrawn from the process to buy Manchester United. Sheikh Jassim had bid £5bn for the club but further talks this week have broken down. The Glazer family, who bought United for £790m in 2005, announced in November 2022 they were considering selling.
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The Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2024 automatic qualification hopes are over after a 2-0 home defeat to Greece. Stephen Kenny’s side could still make it to next summer’s tournament via the play-offs but that looks highly unlikely given their poor Nations League ranking.
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Italy stars Nicolo Zaniolo and Sandro Tonali have been sent home from the national team squad amid an investigation for illegal betting, Juventus player Nicolo Fagioli is also under investigation for the same. Sky Italia state that the police are seeking clarifications from the Newcastle United midfielder and the Aston Villa winger in the illegal betting case and for their involvement in it.
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Despite losing the influential Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay before naming their squad last Friday Dutch manager Ronald Koeman hopes his side can upset the French. Since Friday Mark Flekken, Steven Berghuis and Teun Koopmeiners have also pulled out injured.
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