Delaney rubbishes reports linking Trap to Juve
Reports in the Italian media earlier this week claimed the Italian giants want to make Trapattoni their caretaker manager for the remainder of the Serie A season before offering the job to embattled Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez on a permanent basis at the end of the season.
The reports suggested that Trapattoni, who has previously spent two hugely successful spells in Turin, would also continue in his role with Ireland.
However speaking to RTÉ last night, Delaney insisted reports linking the Italian with a return to his homeland were inaccurate.
“Nothing in it, absolutely nothing’’ Delaney said.
“I’ve been in contact with Giovanni today and there’s nothing in it. We renewed his contract for the European Championship and he’s looking forward to going to the draw on February 7 in Poland.
“He’s made it clear to me today there’s nothing in it and he’s fully intends to manage the Republic of Ireland team for the next Championship.
“He’s committed to being manager of Ireland. I think he was very attracted to international football and the Irish team having given up club management and that’s certainly not something he’s going to go back to at this juncture.’’
Current Juve manager Ciro Ferrara is expected to depart the club this week, following a poor start to the season that sees them stuck in sixth place in the Serie A table, 16 points behind leaders Inter.
Benitez’s agent had earlier dismissed reports linking the Spaniard with the Turin giants.
“I have had no contact with Juventus or with any other Italian club regarding an interest on Rafa Benitez,’’ agent Manuel Garcia said.
“There have been rumours linking Rafa to Juve just as there have been reports linking (Guus) Hiddink to Juve.
“But they are all media speculation and there is no truth in it.’’
Meanwhile, RTÉ Sport last night confirmed it has secured the live broadcast rights for the Republic of Ireland’s glamour friendly against Brazil on Tuesday, March 2.
The match will be broadcast live from the Emirates Stadium in London on RTÉ Two television and streamed live on RTÉ.ie
RTÉ’s Head of Sport, Glen Killane, said: “Following the Republic of Ireland’s recent heroic bid to qualify for this summer’s World Cup Irish fans’ huge interest in supporting our national team continues and so we are delighted to have reached an agreement with match organisers Kentaro to broadcast this game live and free-to-air across on RTÉ.’’
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