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Stephen Kenny has "three scenarios" in mind for Dundalk's match sharpness for the final Europa League fixtures

Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny says they have three scenarios in mind in terms of maintaining matc...



Stephen Kenny has "three s...
Soccer

Stephen Kenny has "three scenarios" in mind for Dundalk's match sharpness for the final Europa League fixtures

Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny says they have three scenarios in mind in terms of maintaining match sharpness once the Irish domestic season is over.

The club secured their third Premier Division title in a row and have an FAI Cup final on November 6th.

But once the domestic campaign is over, they will be guaranteed at least two more Europa League matches by mid-December in the group after they visit Russia to take on Zenit Saint Petersburg.

Speaking to Off The Ball's Kevin Kilbane, Kenny turned one eye to the challenge of maintaining sharpness once competitive domestic games come to an end.

"We were so focused on getting the job done. We've put together three scenarios, three different programmes and we'll finalise that this week what we're going to do because it's difficult to get the balance right between over-training players and losing your match sharpness. But we'll make sure that we'll get it right," he said.

And before they even get to that point, Dundalk face a bloated schedule of fixture across the three competitions they are still involved with, including two league games, an FAI Cup final against Cork City and the trip to take on Zenit.

"Our season doesn't finish until December 8th and we have a big week. Obviously we have two league games and we play tomorrow against St Patrick's in Inchicore. Friday, the trophy's being presented to the team, which you can never get tired of. That's a tremendous night in Oriel Park. So then we go to Russia [on] Tuesday to play Zenit, back on the Friday and then the FAI Cup final on Sunday," he said, adding that with the hectic schedule, Dundalk will rest players against Pats now that the league title has been secured.

"We have something to focus on so I don't think it will be an endless party situation for winning the league. Really, we're just switched on now and we've got big games." 

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