Blackburn Rovers head coach Michael O'Neill confirmed he underestimated the work required to manage two roles simultaneously. O'Neill led Rovers to Championship safety after joining the club on a short-term basis in February. He continued to lead Northern Ireland during this period, according to Sky Sports. The manager noted that it is difficult to maintain both positions effectively due to the intense demands of club and international football.
Rovers secured their status in the second tier following a 2-0 victory against Sheffield Wednesday. O'Neill stated that his primary focus was ensuring the club avoided relegation. He will now assess his future ahead of the next campaign. The 56-year-old indicated that juggling the responsibilities was more taxing than he first anticipated, per the Belfast Telegraph. Blackburn officials have not yet confirmed a permanent managerial appointment for the upcoming season. O'Neill remains under contract with the Irish Football Association as the national team prepares for future fixtures.