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Trapattoni in threat to walk out on Ireland ahead of Euro 2012 finals - if he gets there

Italian wants new deal but FAI won’t talk before play-offs

CATHAL DERVAN,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Sunday, October 16, 2011, 9:37 AM

Updated Sunday, October 16, 2011, 9:37 AM

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Giovanni Trapattoni

Giovanni Trapattoni could walk out on Ireland ahead of the European Championship finals – even if he gets his team to Poland and the Ukraine next summer.

Trapattoni has confirmed to Irish Central Sport that his current contract expires next April and he has threatened to quit if he is not offered a new long term deal.

The 73-year-old has even warned that he could move on before the Euro finals if Ireland overcomes Estonia in next month’s play-offs.

The FAI have told us that Trapattoni’s contract includes an extension ‘option’ if Ireland qualify for the finals. FAI sources have also confirmed that they will not discuss a new deal with the Italian before next month’s play-offs.

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But Trap made it abundantly clear that he wants to sign a new two year deal to take him up to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil before he will continue past his current April deadline.

Speaking via his interpreter, Trapattoni insisted: “We can qualify and go to the tournament when the contract automatically extends and we do the tournament.

“Or we can qualify and say, ok if there is no extension then our job is done.”

The Ireland boss added: “After we achieve qualification, we can also say our jobs is done, thank you very much. This is not arrogant.

“Our job is not finished. There are two or three young players we want to work with, if we have the opportunity to continue for another campaign.”
Trapattoni’s warning to the FAI will come as a bombshell to the Irish fans anxiously awaiting the Euro play-offs against Estonia.

FAI boss John Delaney has repeatedly stated that no contract talks will begin with Trapattoni before Ireland’s play-off fate is known.

Some FAI sources are angry however that the Italian now appears to be holding a gun to their heads and demanding a new deal before the Euro finals.

But Trapattoni has also warned of the need to be cautious about Ireland’s play-off hopes against an Estonian team that lost to Brian Kerr’s Faro Islands minnows in the qualifiers but beat both Serbia and Slovenia.

“Luck has nothing to do with drawing Estonia, we have a tough job ahead of us and we will take nothing for granted,” claimed Trapattoni.

“I have already spoken to my colleague, the Italian manager Cesare Prandelli. He has told me that they are a formidable team.

“Statistics from the qualifiers will count for nothing in this play-off. This will be a battle between two teams who have every right to be there.

“These matches will be like Cup finals and anything can happen. The small advantage we do have is that the second leg is at home.

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LilPaddy | Oct 17, 2011, 10:01 PM EDT

The manager does not step onto the playing field... So given that, If the players need to have a "sideline instructor" to direct them as to "how to play against an opponent" ???? Its already too late!!! I believe the players should already know and adjust to the players that are on the opposing team.... KEEP IN MIND.... EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THESE PLAYERS ARE PROFESSIONALS; Now just who in hell is going to change their footballing abilities when the game has already started.. Just fire the Italian! Do not let him hold the Irish by their nut's...

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cillowen | Oct 17, 2011, 03:23 PM EDT

The Irish who having served a master for so long can't fully perform with other than a foreigner of any kind. Preferably a fully Saxon Brit, like those who whipped their forebears into shape for a bunch of years. Like poster noted Keane has that across the pond instant heady brain lock.

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cillowen | Oct 17, 2011, 03:22 PM EDT

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PhlutiePhan | Oct 17, 2011, 12:01 PM EDT

The Irsh squad has no offense. Trapattoni uses the Italian system of strict defense with counterattack. Against and at Russia, the Irish were outshot 24-3 with only one weak shot on goal. The corner kicks were 12-1. It was nil-nil against both Slovakia and Russia. This is just not good enough. Russia clobbered Andorra 6-0 and Ireland had trouble at 2-0 at home. Simon Cox looked good while Robbie Keane "stunk". He is spoiled and not playing up to capacity. I would say that he "dogged" it with his injury. I saw the game against Andorra and Keane was lousy. Then he said that he was injured. I would say that it is mental and not physical. In the Slovakia game, Duff made one of the greatest passes that I have ever seen. He bolted down the right side and then whirled with a left footed pass and put one right on the noggin of Keane right in front of the net at the far post where he could not miss. He did and he was obviously daydreaming and didn't have his head in the game in more ways than one.

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