Trapattoni has Tardelli's backing

09 September 2013 10:16

Marco Tardelli claims Giovanni Trapattoni deserves another two years as Republic of Ireland boss.

As the clamour for the 74-year-old Italian to walk or be pushed grew in volume in the wake of Friday night's 2-1 World Cup qualifier defeat by Sweden, speculation began to mount over a potential successor.

But for all the talk - former Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill heads the bookmakers' field - Trapattoni remains adamant he is the best man for the job and his assistant agrees.

Asked if he was angered by the criticism which has come the manager's way, Tardelli said: "I played for many years and I have been a coach for many years and for me, everything now is nothing because I know our job, I know your job.

"You need to ask very hard questions for the newspapers and for the TV. It's normal, it's life. No problem.

"We came here nearly six years ago and now, we feel very well also for another two years.

"But I don't know if that will happen or not. The FAI (Football Association of Ireland) know what they will do.

"One year ago, the people who are criticising Giovanni now were very happy with Giovanni.

"Football is so. We haven't a problem because we understand that our job has been very strong. For me, it is very positive."

Tardelli's comments, however, were in stark contrast to the popular reaction to Friday's defeat, which left Ireland's hopes of making next summer's finals in Brazil hanging in the balance.

Source: PA