ALL OF A sudden, Giovanni Trapattoni’s potential departure has become a real talking point. Despite the fact that he still enjoys considerable support, that he has already signed a new contract and that he responded to suggestions he may leave with defiance, there is a definite debate. Here, we attempt to spell it out…

Reasons Trap should stay

• Whatever about what has happened at the European Championship, taking Ireland there met the team’s stated target. That means he deserves to try and meet another.
• The defeats give a false impression of the team due to the quality of the group. Imagine Ireland had been in Group A. It would surely have been a completely different tournament.
• The manager has mentioned he’ll make changes. This time, given the watershed this tournament will surely bring, he’ll make them.
• Trapattoni has also put in a solid base (recent defeats notwithstanding). He should be allowed to build on it.

Reasons Trap should go

• When you look at it, four years is actually quite a long time in international football.
• Trapattoni’s tactical errors — not least playing two in midfield against Spain — illustrate a manager who, while once great, is now out of step.
• It’s time for a fresh approach in general. New, younger players promoted. A new manager. Just different ideas.
• The conservative football was defendable while the team were getting results. It isn’t if they’re not. At least, if we were to get similar results against teams like Germany and Sweden in qualifying, it could be done in a style that actually entertains people.

What do you think?

Euro 2012: talking points, day 8

‘What did he do after he played?’ Trap hits back at Roy Keane criticisms