The Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has said that he feels that he does have the authority over the team, while also claiming that the football Association does not have any influence on his decisions. The 73-year-old has come under intense pressure in recent months due to the lack of results from the national team. After have qualified for the Euro 2012 in spectacular fashion, they failed miserably at the competition itself. The humiliating 6-1 defeat at the hands of Germany has only added to the pressure on the manager. The Italian has been rumoured to be subject to intense pressure from the football Association.
However, he has said that he remains in control of the team and does not have any pressure from the football Association. That has also been criticism that his command of the English language is not particularly good, but he has dismissed such suggestions by saying that there are only so many words required to be communicating in football. He has said that winning, losing, and deserving are some of the few words required to communicate, and has highlighted that no players have complained about the problem. Trapattoni also has said that the Norwich city player Wes Hoolahan is likely to be picked for the match against Norwich.
“Someone making suggestions doesn’t take authority away from me. I understand the responsibility of the FAI. Suggestions – no problems. I have the authority with my team. Some say my English is not very good. I ask the players and they all say they understand. There are only 100 or 200 words in football: ‘win, deserve, lose’, unfortunately. Sure, [Hoolahan] will play, I’m not sure if it’s the first or second half, we will decide. I spoke with Keane [about being rested], ‘no problem’,” said Giovanni Trapattoni.