'Not the right time' - Georgia manager Sagnol dismisses possibility of taking over Ireland

Georgia manager Willy Sagnol. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire.

Willy Sagnol has distanced himself from a potential appointment as the next Republic of Ireland manager as the Frenchman prepares to lead Georgia into their historic major tournament debut on Tuesday night.

Former France and Bayern Munich defender Sagnol has been considered one of the most likely answers to the FAI’s interminable search for a permanent replacement for Stephen Kenny. As recently as this week he remained 2/1 joint favourite to take the job, alongside interim manager John O’Shea.

However the 47-year-old insisted on Monday afternoon that he very much sees his future with the Georgians, who will take on Turkey in Dortmund in their opening Group F clash.

“As you can imagine this is really not the moment to talk about it,” Sagnol responded to a query from the Irish Independent during his pre-match press conference at the home of Borussia Dortmund. 

“Everyday I talk about my boss in Georgia, the president, and the situation is very clear. It looks like they appreciate working with me and I also appreciate working with them."

Sagnol, who has also managed French side Bordeaux and worked on the coaching staff at Bayern Munich during Carlo Ancelotti’s time in Bavaria, led the Georgians to Euro 2024 qualification in March. His side were dogged and impressive as they frustrated Greece in a play-off before progressing on penalties. In the process, Sagnol ironically dealt a blow to the prospects of then-Greece manager Gus Poyet, at the time also seen as a potential rival for the Ireland opening.

“It's not the right time for it,” added Sagnol on Monday. “I very much appreciate working in Georgia and I consider myself working in Georgia and with Georgia for the next years.” 

Sagnol’s brush back is just the latest in a long line of contenders ruling themselves out. The FAI’s search for Kenny’s replacement has been going on since November of last year with Abbotstown chiefs continuing to move deadlines around the appointment.