Ireland open Trap door

Italian veteran in talks with FAI officials

Last updated: 30th January 2008

Ireland open Trap door

Trapattoni: Surprise candidate

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Sky Sports News sources understand Giovanni Trapattoni is in talks with the Republic of Ireland over becoming their new coach.

The veteran Italian tactician is currently boss of Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg but it is understand that he is close to agreeing a return to international management.

Having engaged in discussions with key figures within the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) hierarchy, Trapattoni is believed to be warming to the idea of becoming Steve Staunton's successor.

Trapattoni has one of the most impressive CVs in world football, having managed Italian titans Milan, Fiorentina, Internazionale and Juventus twice - along with the Italy national side between 2000 and 2004.

He enjoyed two stints at Bayern Munich, before recently spending spells at Benfica, Stuttgart and Salzburg.

The FAI remain hopeful that a new boss will be in place before the friendly with Brazil on 6th February, but for the time being team affairs are being handled by Don Givens, Don Howe and Ray Houghton.

David O'Leary, Lawrie Sanchez, Terry Venables, Steve Coppell, Gerard Houllier and Liam Brady have all previously been linked with the post but it looks as though Trapattoni could be the FAI's surprise choice.

Comments (7)

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Mark Mccabe (Celtic fan) says...

I think Billy Davies should get the job. Trapatonni is too old. Billy is an Ex Rangers man but don't think this would make him less useful to the Irish set up - He is also interested in youth so he would get more promising youngsters involved & shake things up.

Posted 11:55 31st January 2008

Darren Lynch (Celtic fan) says...

RG are you for real? Giles had his chance and screwed up years ago. O'Leary doesnt want it. Brady doesnt want it. Trapattoni is the best option without a doubt. A proper manager with pedigree. We've got no serious home grown talent, capable enough of changing the fortunes of Ireland...FACT!!

Posted 22:39 29th January 2008

J Power (Celtic fan) says...

This would be an absoulutely fantastic move by the FAI. Lets hope that they can see this one through!

Posted 22:09 29th January 2008

David Coleman (Sunderland fan) says...

I think Trappatoni would be a great appointment if for just one reason - he would get the instant respect of all the players. Then we would see how good this bunch of players really is. That allied to his proven tacticl knowledge of the game from all the great clubs he's managed make him hte best man we're gunna get. I hope this is true & not just another rumour that will come to nothing,

Posted 21:58 29th January 2008

Tom Cotter (Ipswich Town fan) says...

Has an outstanding record....age and lack of English possible drawbacks but is certain by far the most outstanding candidate available to the FAI. This story appears to be a lot more plausible than the numerous fiction stories spun by the greedy irish bookies

Posted 19:45 29th January 2008

Tom O'dubháin (Chelsea fan) says...

YES YES YES! This would be fantastic. Please say yes Giovani! Ireland could do with a manager with a brain! He's managed the big ones - e.g Italy, Juve, Internazionale, AC Milan, Benfica, Bayern Munich. He was also very succesful at all of these clubs I believe. The perfect man for the job...

Posted 19:28 29th January 2008

Robert Green (Manchester United fan) says...

Really can't believe we're going down this road! We've got home grown talent that would give body parts for this job, and now we're waiting for an oversees manager to warm to it! Its a disgrace. Our very own John Giles is an emperor in waiting, these kingmakers are without guile wit or intelligence. Very easy to appoint an impressive CV, but would he give blood? Never. He's a journeyman picking up wages wherever it suits. I'm so keen the job goes to either Brady, O'leary or best choice Giles

Posted 19:24 29th January 2008
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