Boss says Tardelli can succeed him

GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI would like Marco Tardelli to succeed him as Ireland manager.

Not that the 72-year-old is in any hurry to step down. Yesterday, in response to a question about whether he would like to stay on for another four years, never mind two, Trapattoni didn’t rule out the longer haul so long as his health permits and he retains his enthusiasm for the job.

But when asked if he would eventually like Tardelli to succeed him, he replied: “I would like the FAI to give him this opportunity.”

Tardelli, who was in the room when Trapattoni made his comments, responded diplomatically but didn’t rule out the possibility that one day he might step up into the hot seat.

“Maybe he never retires,” he grinned, “but everything is possible. And I’d like to stay here.”

On the morning after the 1-1 draw with Estonia which confirmed Ireland’s qualification for next summer’s European Championship finals, Trapattoni praised the contribution of World Cup winner Tardelli to Irish football’s latest success story.

“Marco is not only my assistant, he knows my mentality,” he said.

“We have achieved results with great teams in the Champions League and Italian League, We go together to see players and we can decide between us if he’s right for us or not. I rely on Marco’s collaboration. And also on [fitness coach] Fausto Rossi. In fact, we have a group of people behind this success and they all deserve our thanks.”