Soccer: Giovanni Trapattoni has signed a contract extension with the Republic of Ireland that will see him take charge of the World Cup 2014 qualifying campaign, but the Italian and his team have taken a paycut.
Once again, the deal that includes the 72-year-old Italian's assistant Marco Tardelli and fitness coach Fausto Rossi, will be partially funded by businessman Denis O’Brien. Though the exact figures were not made available by the FAI when announcing the agreement this morning, chief executive John Delaney confirmed later the Italians "understood we live in difficult times in Ireland these days” and agreed a cut.
"Both men took a very sensible approach to negotiations yesterday. They're aware of how difficult things are and they want to stay managing the Irish team. They have a good relationship with the FAI," he told RTE Radio's Morning Ireland.
At the weekend, the FAI described as “speculation” reports suggesting the manager's annual salary would be cut to €1.5 million from €1.7 million.
Delaney said retaining Trappatoni “could not have been done” without O’Brien despite the windfall expected to be generated from qualifying for Euro 2012.
“We’ll do well out of qualifying for Euro 2012 but that will go towards Aviva (Stadium) debt. We need to clear that by 2020. In terms of financing the management team it was important that Denis continue his support,” he said.
Aside from the figures, the renewal was a formality after Trapattoni fulfilled his brief by securing a place in Euro 2012. After finishing second in Group B behind Russia, his side beat Estonia 5-1 on aggregate in a two-legged play-off a fortnight ago and the manager was clear in his desire to remain in the job afterwards.
Delaney said it was “right and proper” he and his team continued in their roles..
"They have done fantastic work with the squad, bringing us to qualification for a major tournament for the first time in ten years, increasing our world ranking to 21st and introducing many new players for the future.”
This morning Trapattoni said he was "very happy" to continue working with the Irish team and described it as a "huge honour and a privilege."
"I have always said that Marco and I believe very strongly in the work that we are doing to grow and develop the Irish team. It is a huge honour and a privilege to represent the Irish team and we look forward to continuing this important task.”
O'Brien added: “Giovanni Trapattoni has done a tremendous job in bringing Ireland to qualification for the Euros for the first time since 1988. His professionalism, experience and close working relationship with the players has developed a squad which has grown in self-belief and determination.
“The squad is showing plenty of potential for further improvement during the coming campaign. I am delighted to continue my partnership with the FAI, Giovanni Trapattoni and the Irish squad.”
