Euro 2012: Trapattoni keen to stay Republic of Ireland boss

 

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni says he wants to make up for his side's poor Euro 2012 showing in the World Cup 2014 qualifying campaign.

Trapattoni's side lost 2-0 to Italy to end the tournament with three defeats.

"The willingness is there to come back with fresh energy and a new squad to do better, and I can't wait for the new season to start," he said.

But Trapattoni did suggest "one or two" of his players may retire from international football.

Analysis

Image of Kevin Kilbane Kevin Kilbane BBC Radio 5 live

"I hope there are no dramatic changes for the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign, because you have to remember what a brilliant achievement it was for us to get here in the first place.

"But my fear is what could happen to Giovanni Trapattoni. His team has not had the best of tournaments, and if we do not start out well on the road to the next World Cup in Brazil then I fear that people might turn on him."

The likes of Robbie Keane, Damien Duff, Richard Dunne and Shay Given, who are all into their 30s, may consider their international futures.

"I spoke with one or two and we will see again ahead of the next friendly in August," added Trapattoni.

"Maybe at this moment, they are disappointed and I will speak to them later. I understand their disappointment because we had hoped to do better, but [against Italy], I have nothing to reproach the players for."

Ireland were undone by goals from Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli, with both coming from corners.

Trapattoni said: "I am proud of our commitment. Italy beat us, but we gave them our honour, our commitment and maybe we deserved a little bit more."

The Italian's desire to carry on as Republic manager is backed by one of his predecessors, Mick McCarthy, and ex-Republic of Ireland international Kevin Kilbane.

Republic of Ireland's Robbie Keane

Robbie Keane

But former Republic player Kenny Cunningham believes he has taken the team as far as he can.

"We have been exposed at these championships," he told BBC Radio 5 live. "Our system has looked a little outdated and we find ourselves in a position where our tournament is over after four days and we're just playing for pride.

"The big discussion in Dublin and around Ireland is whether we want to persist with this philosophy of football, or are we going to go down a different path?

"My gut feeling is that I wouldn't stick with Trapattoni. He bonded the team together and gave the players a structure, but I think he's taken us as far as he can.

"To step up to the next level and integrate a generation of new young players, I think we have to go down a different route. We should shake his hand, thank him for his efforts and move forward with another manager."