adminDUBLIN. — Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has left his post by mutual consent, the Football Association of Ireland confirmed yesterday.
Tuesday’s 1-0 loss away to Austria all but extinguished the republic’s hopes of qualifying for next year’s World Cup finals in Brazil 2014 and that led the FAI to part company with veteran Italian manager Trapattoni and his assistant, Marco Tardelli.
“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,” the 74-year-old Trapattoni said in a FAI statement. “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.”
He added: “I would like to thank (FAI chief executive) John Delaney, (president) Paddy McCaul, (honorary secretary) 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.” —AFP
Online Reporter