Former France manager Raymond Domenech has revealed that he would like to manage the Republic of Ireland in the future.
Domenech led France to the 2006 World Cup final and was in charge when they controversially eliminated Ireland in the 2010 World Cup qualification playoffs, when Thierry Henry's handball went unpunished in the build-up to William Gallas's decisive goal.
Domenech has been out of work since leaving France after a poor showing at that World Cup, but the 63-year-old has revealed that he aspires to coach Ireland because he loves the passion that their fans show towards the team.
"There's a national team that I have dreamed of coaching for ages, Republic of Ireland," Domenech told Ma Chaine Sport.
"I have been back there since 2009 and I have had a few drinks with some Irish. I love those people, I love their spirit. I have been in the stands for games, it was amazing. Whether it be football or rugby, they don't make the opposing fans enemies.
"They're friends who do something with each other. They drink with the opposition, party with them, they go head-to-head and, once it's finished, they go home."
Martin O'Neill is currently in charge of Ireland.
Steven Toplis
