Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane joked that “lessons have been learned” as he praised the “brilliant” work of the FAI in selecting impeccable facilities for their European Championship preparations, apart from his bed.
VIDEO: Roy Keane said lessons have been learned in how Ireland prepare for tournaments, except his bed is too soft.https://t.co/E203UpuFTM
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The squad have been based in Versailles since they arrived at their base camp ahead of their opening Group E fixture against Sweden on Monday evening (5pm).
Yesterday the squad had a very light workout at the Stade de Montbauron after the official training session had been cancelled by manager Martin O’Neill.
The players and management have received a warm welcome from the local community and the squad has been impressed by the top class facilities available to them since they arrived earlier this week.
Keane too has been very satisfied with preparations and 14 years after famously departing the 2002 World Cup over a perceived lack of professionalism within the FAI, was fulsome in his praise of the work carried out by the organisation.
“Absolutely brilliant, fantastic,” he responded when asked about the standard of facilities.
“I’m trying to find something that was wrong maybe...my bed’s a bit too soft"
“Credit to everyone here, the set-up, the facilities, the hotel, the location where we are, we really couldn’t have asked for any more.
“So far, the welcome we have had, even where we are staying, the staff, the food, the training ground here, it’s been fantastic. We’re delighted.
“Even with our own staff in the background, the FAI have done brilliant.”
In jovial mood, the former Manchester United captain couldn’t resist a reference to the famous Saipan incident
“No doubt lessons have been learned,” he said with a wide grin.
To illustrate the sincerity of his praise, the 44-year-old struggled to think of anything negative during their stay so far, though eventually came up with one minor complaint.
“I’m trying to find something that was wrong maybe...my bed’s a bit too soft, but other than that, it’s been great,” he told reporters.
Heightened security around the tournament means armed guards are patrolling the team hotel, which is strictly off limits to media and fans.
However, Keane insists their presence is far from intrusive.
He said: "No, it's not really affected me. But these are good security guys - they are not in your face, they are not lying at the end of your bed, it's just around the hotel and they are very discreet and that's why they are very good at their jobs.
Asked if it was a shame that that was part of the game now, Keane replied: "I think we are so focused on the games that we haven't thought too much about it, and we can't do much about it."
RTÉ analyst Didi Hamann is "quietly confident" that Ireland will beat Sweden to get their campaign off to a flying start.
