Republic of Ireland

Former France boss Raymond Domenech reveals interest in Republic of Ireland job

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 10 April 2018

Former France boss Raymond Domenech suggests that he would be interested in coaching Republic of Ireland if Martin O'Neill leaves the role in the future.

Former France boss Raymond Domenech has revealed that he would be interested in becoming the manager of Republic of Ireland.

Domenech held the position as coach of Les Bleus between 2004 and 2010, but the veteran has said that he had previously held talks about being given the reins at the Green Army.

However, while negotiations proved to be unsuccessful, Domenech has said that he would be keen on the position should Martin O'Neill leave the role in the future.

Domenech told The Derry Journal: "I have a long past with the Irish national team. I always said if I had the possibility one day to train the national team I would. I was contacted before I took the French national team job by the Irish Federation and they chose Brian Kerr which was a good choice.

"I was very interested then and I'm still interested because I like the spirit of Irish. I remember when we won in Ireland in 2005 after the game I had to go to the media and it was near the stands. I had to cross in front of all the spectators.

"In France, they would never do that because you never know what would happen. The Irish were all shaking my hand. They had respect and they are fighters so I like the spirit."

Domenech took France to the World Cup final in 2006 before they lost out to Italy.