The Football Association of Ireland, Giovanni Trapattoni and Marco Tardelli announced that following an amicable meeting this morning, they have parted company by mutual consent. Speaking following the meeting, Giovanni Trapattoni said;
“I want to thank everyone in Ireland who has given us their support during our time here which has always meant a lot to us.
“We leave this country with emotion because we understand the Irish supporters who have a well-deserved international reputation and they have our utmost respect. I would like to thank John Delaney, Paddy Mc Caul, Michael Cody and the FAI Board for their support and friendship over the last five and a half years.
“I would also want to thank all FAI staff members, including the backroom team and the players who have been great to work with during the last three campaigns. I wish them well in the future and hope that the job we have done leaves everything in a good place for my successor to take over.”
Making the announcement, FAI Chief Executive John Delaney said,
“We thank Giovanni Trapattoni, Marco Tardelli and Fausto Rossi for the last five and a half years during which we qualified for our first major tournament in ten years and were close to qualification for 2010 World Cup in South Africa after the play-off in France.
“This particular World Cup campaign has been disappointing but Giovanni leaves us with a group of good young players which should form the basis of the squad that the new manager will use for the European Championships in France 2016 when 24 teams qualify.”
The Board of the FAI will meet in due course to discuss the process of appointing a new manager. Former Celtic, Aston Villa and Sunderland boss Martin OÂ’NeillÂ’s already the favourite to get the position. WhoeverÂ’s in charge next month will face Germany away on October the 11th and then Kazakhstan come to the Aviva on October 15th.
