Gentile out of Irish running

CLAUDIO GENTILE won’t be Giovanni Trapattoni’s assistant manager with the Republic of Ireland.

Sources close to Ireland’s manager-in-waiting revealed last night that former Italian defensive hard man Gentile wants to get back into ‘front line’ management, having been out of coaching since being relieved of his duties as Italy U21 manager last year.

Gentile has been strongly linked with the new management set-up to be unveiled by the FAI today, but Trapattoni already has alternative plans, say sources.

The 68-year-old’s financial advisers — he does not have an agent — met yesterday in Trapattoni’s home tow of Milan with an FAI team led by chief executive John Delaney.

They agreed an “uncomplicated” pre-contract package which will become active on May 1.

However Irish fans should not expect to see ‘Trap’ in this country until his involvement ends formally with Red Bull Salzburg at the end of April.

Said the source: “Giovanni is a professional, and he will not begin his Irish planning until he has delivered another Austrian championship to Salzburg. He does not want his concentration undermined, though he is very excited about his Irish decision.”

The source added: “His financial terms are very sensible, and were immediately agreeable to all sides in the negotiations.”

Added Italian journalist Giancarlo Galavotti of Gazzetta dello Sport: “Trap is on the way to winning a second consecutive title, and he hates any type of distraction. He’s an old-fashioned type, he doesn’t like acting behind people’s backs.”

Trapattoni has assured Salzburg fans that he will complete his job at the club this season: “I want to take Salzburg to the title again,” he said.

“After that we’ll see.”