Trapattoni vows to fight on after Irish backing

19 October 2012 19:18

Giovanni Trapattoni insists he will fight on as manager of the Republic of Ireland after emerging unscathed from crisis talks with his employers.

Trapattoni endured calls for his resignation after Ireland suffered a humiliating 6-1 home defeat against Germany in a World Cup qualifier last week.

That dismal result came on the back of Ireland's woeful showing at Euro 2012, where they were the first team eliminated from the tournament after losing all three group matches.

But Trapattoni, whose side beat the Faroe Islands 4-1 on Tuesday, is determined to cling onto his job and, after receiving the continued support of the Football Association of Ireland board earlier this week, the 73-year-old Italian met with FAI chief executive John Delaney for further discussions on Friday.

The talks at the FAI's Abbotstown headquarters were described as "workmanlike and professional" by a spokesman, and a defiant Trapattoni revealed he was happy with the tone of the meeting.

"John and I met today to clarify the thoughts of the board and these were agreed and confirmed by me," he said.

"It was a useful and professional conversation and I thank him for this.

"During the meeting, we discussed a number of points that were raised by the board to help us continue to improve our work for the association."

Source: AFP