Trapattoni and FAI agree new contract

Giovanni Trapattoni's tenure as Republic of Ireland manager has been extended by a further two years - with the Italian now set to lead the boys in green through the FIFA World Cup 2014 campaign.

News that Trapattoni and the FAI had agreed terms on the new deal was confirmed early this morning by the FAI's Communications Director Peter Sherrard.
 

The new package, while unconfirmed, is believed to have dropped from 1.8m to 1.5m euro and the Association has confirmed that Denis O'Brien will continue to part-fund the tenure of Trapattoni.
 

The new deal also includes the retention of Trap's assistant manager Marco Tardelli and the team's fitness coach Fausto Rossi.
 

“I am very happy to continue my job with the FAI," Trapattoni said.

"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.”?

Trap recently guided Ireland to the Euro 2012 finals and has seen the Irish team's standing in the world rankings rise to 21st with the play-off win over Estonia that secured qualification.
 

Trapattoni will travel to Kiev with FAI CEO John Delaney for Friday's draw for the finals having won a new contract to stay with the Irish. The new deal runs from July 2012 and continue for the 2014 World Cup campaign. By the time the finals in Brazil come around, Trapattoni will be 75, but the FAI have stuck by their man, who has secured participation in the Euros for this country for only the second ever time.
 

"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," said FAI CEO John Delaney.
 

"Giovanni’s experience, professionalism and achievement in qualifying for EURO 2012 has impressed everyone including the players and the FAI Board."
 

The announcement was also welcomed by the FAI President Paddy McCaul. He said: “I am delighted that we have been able to retain the services of Giovanni Trapattoni. He brings a wealth of experience and a great working relationship with the FAI and the players.
 

"The fact that we have gone into the last two campaigns as third seeds and have finished second in both, as well as being seeded for the play-offs in EURO campaign, speaks volumes about his ability to deliver."
 

Delaney and McCaul paid tribute to media guru Denis O'Brien who will again fund a large chunk, believed to be around 50 per cent, of the salary of the Italian management team. O'Brien has financed Trapattoni since his arrival in February 2008, when he was appointed successor to Steve Staunton.

O'Brien said: “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.”