‘Not gonna happen’ – Gus Poyet rules out Republic of Ireland job after heartbreaking end to Greece stint
GUS POYET confirmed he will not be taking over as Republic of Ireland manager and stated he is now a free agent as there is “absolutely nothing” going on between him and Greece.
Poyet took over as the Greek national team’s manager in February 2022 and went on to win his Nations League group, which earned his team promotion to League B and a place in the Euro 2024 play offs.
The Tottenham legend then went on to beat Ireland twice in the European championships’ qualifying stage but finished third in Group B behind France and the Netherlands.
The Uruguayan tactician then led Ethniki to a stunning 5-0 win over Kazakhstan in the Euros’ play-off semi-finals but lost the final to Georgia on penalties.
The Chelsea legend is now officially a free agent as his contract with Greece ran out on March 31 and no efforts were made to extend his stay.
Reports suggest the Republic have been wanting the 56-year-old to take over the top job since Stephen Kenny’s departure in November after his impressive work against them in the group stage.
It was also reported that the ex-Brighton boss had been courted for a long time with the Football Association of Ireland looking to take advantage of his bizarre contract length that ran out before Euro 2024.
However, the former Sunderland manager insists a deal between him and Ireland is “not gonna happen” and the links were baseless, just like they were with other big names.
Poyet told SunSport on behalf of Dailybase: “There is nothing, it’s not gonna happen. So there is really no comments to make.
“I will compare to [something] similar. I remember last November or December so many people from England were contacting me [asking me if] I was going to Plymouth.
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“Because when betting [sites] put it [my name] at the top up there… I don’t know how many coaches were already practically [a] done [deal] with Republic of Ireland.
“Apart from me, it was Roy Keane, it was a [Ole Gunnar] Solskjaer, it was Paul Clement, it was John O’Shea. They were all done. And nobody’s done.
“So that will happen with the betting [sites]. Okay, we have to be honest, sometimes they’re right. But no, there is no possibility.”
Reports in Greece suggested there is still a chance Poyet would sign a new deal with the national team despite missing out on a place in Germany.
However, the former midfielder is adamant there has been no communication with the Greek football federation.
Poyet added: “Simple, there is nothing at the moment. There’s nothing, I finished my contract last month and that’s it, there is nothing else.
“So right now I’m free meeting people, analysing football, keep learning. Waiting. Always talking to different possibilities.
“No offers, possibilities. But with Greece right now there is absolutely nothing.”