Troussier keen on landing Irish job
Thursday, 20 October 2005Philippe Troussier has added to speculation linking him with the vacant Republic of Ireland managerial job, claiming that he would be 'very interested' in succeeding Brian Kerr.
Troussier, a former manager of the Japan national team, was interviewed for the Irish managerial role by the FAI three years ago, but lost out to Kerr.
Former Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is believed to be the front runner for the job and Troussier is aware that he may not be the preferred choice of the fans.
"To take a decision to employ a foreign coach would not be so easy and makes it even more of a victory for me that my name is being linked with this job," Troussier told BBC Sport.
"It would be a great challenge. I have my experience and my personality and I have been the national coach with six federations.
"I thought the Irish team deserved to go to Germany but in football, nothing is logical and you have to go and play the matches," he added.
Troussier also insisted that wages would not be an issue for him, saying "If I want to get money, I know where I have to go. To accept this kind of job is not for the money."
He also revealed that he would be eager with work with the new crop of young Irish players currently breaking through.
"I like that kind of process. When I took charge of the Japanese team I was in charge of three categories - the senior team, the Olympic team and the Under-19s," he added in the interview with BBC Sport.
