FAI right to take time over Trap’s new deal

GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI has been campaigning for a contract extension since before the summer.

It was therefore not surprising to hear he had told the Sunday newspapers that if the FAI wait too much longer to sign him up, he might walk out on Ireland even if they defeat Estonia in the Euro 2012 play-off.

The FAI won’t be too worried. They are in a strong bargaining position. Right now Trapattoni has a sweet job and he knows it. He has a slim workload and a fat salary.

While his work with Ireland has plenty of admirers in other countries, some of whom might be prepared to make him an offer, a change now would require a lot of unpleasant upheaval. He has little chance of getting another international job in a country where he already speaks the language. Italy won’t have him, neither will Germany, Austria just appointed a new manager two weeks ago and if Switzerland sack Ottmar Hitzfeld they are unlikely to replace him with somebody even older.

No, the ideal outcome for Trapattoni is to extend his contract with Ireland. That’s also the FAI’s ideal outcome, because it spares them the stressful task of choosing a new manager. But if Ireland fail against Estonia, none of that will be possible, because Trap will have lost his credibility in the eyes of the supporters.

That is why the association is right to leave talk of contracts until after the play-offs.