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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Oisin Doherty

Stephen Kenny told he is 'naive and out of his depth' by Damien Delaney

Ireland manager Stephen Kenny was tactically naive and looked 'out of his depth' during Ireland's 2-1 defeat to Greece says Damien Delaney.

A second half goal from Giorgos Masouras consigned Ireland to a disappointing defeat in Athens in a performance that has been roundly criticised by fans and pundits alike.

Analysing the game for Virgin Media, Delaney and Keith Tracey both believe Greece manager Gus Poyet got the better of Kenny tonight in the tactical battle.

READ MORE: Greece v Republic of Ireland player ratings as Boys in Green suffer defeat in Athens

"From a tactical point of view and a management point of view, absolutely outwitted," said Delaney, "No plus points, nothing for me and tonight, the manager appeared out of his depth."

Delaney believes tonight should have been the evening were the years of work under Kenny came to the fore. Instead, he believes it leaves a lot of questions that need to be answered.

"Tonight is were it should have all come together...it didn't, there was no performance.

"Tactically in the first half we were absolutely taken apart. Poyet knew what was coming. They set up accordingly and went 4-3-3. They pinned our wingbacks in.

"They dominated the game. Their passing was sharper their intensity was sharper. Everything about them was good and they fully deserved it.

"Absolutely dominated all over the pitch and there has to be some soul searching after a performance like that in Athens."

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