Wednesday, 11th September, 2013

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni and assistant manager Marco Tardelli have both left their posts by mutual consent, the Football Association of Ireland have confirmed.

The decision came after the nation lost 1-0 against Austria last night in a World Cup qualifying match, which realistically ended their hopes of playing in next year’s football carnival in Brazil.

 


The Green Army are currently in fourth spot in Group C, with 11 points from eight games, 11 points behind group leaders Germany and six behind second-placed Sweden.

Trapattoni took charge of the nation in 2008 and came agonisingly close to guiding the Green Army to the 2010 World Cup, after they lost against France in controversial qualification playoff.

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However, he did manage to take his side to the 2012 European Championship, where they bowed out at the group stage after failing to win a single game.

Trapattoni told FAI’s official site: “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 McCaul, 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."

FAI chief executive John Delaney added: "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 playoff 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 Championship in France 2016 when 24 teams qualify."

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