FAI: Trap contract no worry

FAI insiders have downplayed any suggestions of a contract dispute between the association and manager Giovanni Trapattoni.

Although the organisation had no statement to make on the Irish manager’s comments hinting he may walk away if not offered a new deal, the FAI are understood to be relaxed about the Italian’s commitment.

One source close to the management team said that “he himself is fully focused on the play-offs. When he made those comments, it was in response to a leading question asked, so I wouldn’t say he is agitating for a new contract. He’s a professional and wants to get to the job done.”

In saying that, however, Trapattoni has always spoken strongly on the issue any time the question is raised.

His wish to have his future secured quickly has also been reflected in a series of senior players — most notably Shay Given — declaring the manager should be given a new deal. So, despite his vaunted professionalism, the issue is clearly causing Trapattoni some consternation.

The FAI however, does not think Trapattoni’s comments amount to brinkmanship to force a new deal. The body also do not feel there will be any issue of “trust being broken” if they only offer the manager a contract in the event of Euro 2012 qualification. With FAI chief executive John Delaney saying no discussions will take place until after the play-offs, the association are eager to remove any speculation so that there are no distractions.

Meanwhile, Richard Dunne believes the Irish team should move on in another way: to forget Paris. “The (Thierry) Henry handball is old news. Now, it’s the chance to put ourselves into a finals and give people something else to talk about.”