Giovanni Trapattoni’s reign as manager of Republic Ireland ended today after he left his post by mutual consent.
During his five-and-a-half years in charge, the Italian guided the Republic to Euro 2012 and their hopes of a place at the 2010 World Cup were only dashed by Thierry Henry’s infamous handball in the play-off against France.
However, hopes of reaching next year’s finals in Brazil were all but ended during the double header with a 2-1 loss to Sweden on Friday followed by last night’s 1-1 draw against Austria. Trapattoni, who was paid £1.5million a year, was due to give a press conference this afternoon but that was cancelled by the Football Association of Ireland who released a statement.
It said: “The recent results against Sweden and Austria were very disappointing for everyone involved in Irish football, the manager, the players and supporters.”
Trapattoni said: "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."
He continued: "I would like to thank [FAI chief executive] John Delaney, [president] Paddy McCaul, [honorary secretary] 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."
Delaney said: "We thank Giovanni Trapattoni, Marco Tardelli and Franco Rossi for the last five and a half years during which we qualified for our first major tournament in 10 years and were close to qualification for 2010 World Cup in South Africa after the play-off in France.
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"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 Championships in France 2016 when 24 teams qualify."
There is sure to be a clamour among fans for former Republic captain Roy Keane to get the job but former Northern Ireland midfielder Martin O’Neill is the favourite.
