John Giles joined Nathan Murphy on Off The Ball on Thursday to discuss Stephen Kenny and preview Ireland-Azerbaijan.
Ireland have four games remaining with Kenny at the helm. Three qualifiers and one friendly against Qatar.
Beating Qatar and Azerbaijan in this window could secure Kenny his job surpassed next Summer. Losing either game could be the death knell to his career as Ireland manager. Kenny is entering a critical period and Ireland legend John Giles thinks he has to win these games to keep his job.
"It's a must," Giles said in response to if Kenny needs to win these games.
"To really, really win these matches, or certainly get good results in them, I think it's hugely important for Stephen at this particular stage."
Damien Delaney said the same on The Football Show earlier this week.
No matter how many games Kenny's team plays, the questions will remain about his style of football until he starts winning. Giles doesn't necessarily think that it's time for Ireland to abandon their structures and revert to lumping the ball in the box.
"It's very difficult to know [if Kenny should change his approach for these games]. The way he's played and had the team playing is what he believes in. Or else he wouldn't be doing it. Obviously, as a manager, I think you learn as you go along bit by bit by bit. But it's just got to the stage now whatever way he does it, he has to get the results.
"He just has to.
"That could be playing out from the back not playing out from the back, various things. But there's 16 matches and you learn as you go along. I hope he does get it right for the next few matches to give him the extension."
Giles hopes that Kenny rights the ship and wins over his doubters. But he also knows what's likely to happen to Kenny if Ireland don't win these games.
"If he doesn't, then he's going to be in serious trouble."
Kenny's contract runs out after this qualifying campaign. He has previously stated that Euro 2024 was always his primary target, but the FAI have not guaranteed that he will be in charge for that campaign.
Liam Scales called up to the Republic of Ireland squad.
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