Published Thursday, 18 October 2012
Giovanni Trapattoni looks on during the FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifier on Friday. (© Getty)
There has been growing speculation about the 73-year-old Italian's position following a shaky start to the World Cup qualifying campaign, with pressure continuing to mount in the wake of a 6-1 defeat to Germany at the Aviva Stadium last Friday.
However the Republic bounced back with a 4-1 victory in the Faroe Islands this week, and when the board of the FAI met on Wednesday night they decided to back Trapattoni.
A spokesperson confirmed he'll stay for next month's friendly against Greece and beyond.
It said: "The board of the FAI met today and discussed Ireland's performances in the World Cup qualifying campaign to date and the prospects of achieving qualification for Brazil 2014.
"The board agreed that convening a meeting between the Germany and Faroe Islands matches and/or commenting on the Germany game or the manager's position prior to last night's game would have been totally inappropriate.
"Following today's discussions, the board, while disappointed like everyone with the poor result and performance against Germany and understanding the frustration of some of our supporters, believes the current position in the group means that qualification for Brazil in 2014 remains a realistic and achievable prospect, and reaffirmed that Giovanni Trapattoni is to remain in charge of the national team.
"The board recognises the depth of feeling surrounding the team, the performances, the results and the manager, reflecting the passion which everyone in Irish football has for the game, and will continue to work closely with the manager."
Trapattoni headed back to Milan after the most recent result against the Faroes, and another bullish defence of his position in the wake of mounting criticism.
However the Italian insisted he was unaware of the speculation which dominated this week's trip to Torshavn - but admitted anything other than victory was not an option.
A relatively comfortable win ensued and the Republic's hopes of World Cup qualification, possibly as runners up to Group C favourites Germany, remain alive.
But after the team's performance in the Euro 2012 finals - which saw defeat in all three group games - critics of Trapattoni have remained vocal and it remains to be seen how long he retains the faith of the FAI, with the double-header against Sweden and Austria in March likely to be key to their hopes of heading to Brazil in 2014.