Stephen Kenny remains hopeful he will stay on as Republic of Ireland boss but admitted it's "quite possible" that his reign will end after Tuesday's friendly against New Zealand.
The Boys in Green ended a disappointing Euro 2024 qualification cmapaign with a tame 1-0 defeat to a Netherlands side ravaged by injuries.
They collected just six points in their eight games, thanks to home and away wins over minnows Gibraltar, who were annihilated 14-0 by France in tonight's other group game.
Kenny's contract is almost up and speculation is rife that the FAI will look to go in a new direction, but he continues to enjoy the public backing of his players, with Matt Doherty and Gavin Bazunu both talking up his credentials post-match.
"I really don't know," he told RTÉ Sport when asked if he believed he'd reached the end of the road.
"I don’t control that. It’s quite possible. I don’t know. But all I can say is I see the effort tonight and high level of skill, bravery. It wasn’t enough and Holland were better than us.
What’s the alternative? Defend deep and try and see it out? They will break you down anyway. We tried to create chances at home by pressing higher. They caused us problems tonight when they played through our press. But the players were courageous in and out of possession and flight until the end."
Wout Weghorst's first-half strike proved the difference in Amsterdam with Ireland indebted to Gavin Bazunu for keeping the score down. He made a string of good saves to frustrate the Dutch, who sealed their pace at the Euros in Germany with victory.
"Holland are world class and one of the top teams in Europe with players at the best clubs," Kenny added.
"We played them twice - there was nothing in the game in Dublin and tonight they had a lot of chances and we relied on last-ditch defending and Gavin in goal.
"The reason we have not beaten a top-tier nation away is because it's bloody hard. I salute my players as they wanted the ball in all areas and put their body on the line. The players were very brave and played very well for long periods. We made mistakes in possession and nearly got punished."
