While TV pundits and football critics alike are predicting
that republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni will get his marching orders
sooner rather than later and Irish bookmaker Paddy Power have suspend bets
wagering an end to his tenure[1],
it is highly likely Trapattoni will see out the rest of his contract due to the
cost of getting rid him[2].
While results have been poor from euro 2012 onward, the 6-1 butchering at the
hands of a talented and ruthless Germany (Its biggest home defeat to date) seems to reveal all the problems that have
plagued Trapattoni’s reign.
Every time Germany found themselves in the final third of Ireland’s
half of the pitch, they look dangerous, popping the ball about and making
Ireland’s packed midfield chase shadows all game to no avail. In sharp
contrast, every time the Trapattoni side
received the ball, they were rushed off the ball or forced to pass backwards
all the way to the goalkeeper who predictably play it long up field to the
hardworking but limited Stoke City striker Jonathan Walters.
The match followed the same pattern of all their matches in
the Republic of Ireland’s disastrous Euro 2012 campaign where they were consummately
outclassed by all their opponents. It has recently been quite apparent that republic
of Ireland players have lost faith in Trapattoni and his staff as there has
been public rifts between players and management most notably Fulham’s Stephen Kelly reported
clash with Marco Tardelli, Trapattoni’s
right hand man[3].
However, despite all the speculation over Trapattoni’s
future, the Republic of Ireland still have good chance of qualify for the 2014
World Cup as they face opposition where results are possible. Trapattoni, in
full knowledge of Ireland’s still decent chances of qualification has been as
unflappable as ever stating his satisfaction of his achievements in running the
Republic of Ireland national team and his job being about ‘pride’ despite his
high salary.
In sum, while media pundits and football critics have
sharpened their knives for Trapattoni in the face of a crushing defeat,
Trapattoni will remain head coach of Republic of Ireland due the exorbitant
cost associated with getting of rid of him and the fact that Ireland still have
a good chance of qualifying for the 2014 world cup. However while it is almost
certain Trapattoni will be shown the door if the Republic of Ireland do not
qualify, it is quite clear the next man tasked with bringing success to the
national team will have tough job in his hands as Ireland suffer from a quality
and quantity problem among their current crop of players.
[1]
Reuters, 2012, Irish Bookmaker suspends betting on Trapattoni exit, http://football.uk.reuters.com/leagues/premiership/news/2012/10/15/43926ABC-16E0-11E2-A1EA-8C2E8033923B.php
[2]
Daily Mail, 2012, Trapattoni to remain as Ireland boss… only because FAI afford
to give him the boot, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2217552/Republic-Ireland-afford-sack-Giovanni-Trapattoni.html
[3]
Irish Examiner, 2012, Three changes for Ireland as Trapattoni denies Kelly row
rumours, http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/three-changes-for-ireland-as-trapattoni-denies-kelly-row-rumours-570656.html
