Trapattoni irked by Kerr

Published on 10/09/2012 03:12

Giovanni Trapattoni has hit back at Brian Kerr after the former Republic of Ireland manager launched a scathing attack on the Italian following their fortunate 2-1 win over Kazakhstan, when they scored twice in the last two minutes.

Kerr, the manager from 2003 to 2005, said Trapattoni’s communication skills with his players had become “farcical”, his team selection was “dodgy” and that the Italian had made a mess of preparations for the 3,000-mile trip.

Trapattoni has claimed that Kerr did not understand how difficult it was to get a win in Astana, pointing to Germany’s game there two years ago which the visitors won 3-0 after going in at half-time goalless.

“Maybe Brian Kerr did not see the game of Germany in Kazakhstan. If he saw it, he can understand why it was difficult,” said Trapattoni.

Trapattoni has decided against kicking James McClean out of the party ahead of their friendly against Oman at Craven Cottage on Tuesday after the Sunderland winger made a public apology, and was given a dressing down for a foul-mouthed tweet.

After being kept on the bench during the win, McClean described his personal experience in Kazakhstan as a “f****n’ joke”.

Trapattoni says the matter is now resolved. He said: “We move on. There is no problem. We spoke with him and the other players. He was very apologetic. When you are young sometimes you say something you regret. I don’t know if he will start against Oman. If he doesn’t he may play second half.”