Trap not worried about the sack

Giovanni Trapattoni insists he is going nowhere amid speculation that his reign as Republic of Ireland manager could be over by weekend.

The Italian's pre-match press conference ahead of the World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands in Torshavn was dominated by the debate over his future with one report back at home claiming he will be relieved of his duties by the end of the week whatever happens at the Torsvollur Stadium on Tuesday evening.

But with the likes of Harry Redknapp and Mick McCarthy already being linked with an impending vacancy, Trapattoni was stubbornly refusing to consider that his job might be in jeopardy. Asked if he expected the game to be his last as Ireland manager, he replied: "Absolutely not."

He added: "I ask you why? We have started the qualifying campaign and we have lost one game to Germany. There is no reason."

Asked further if he still believed he had the support of the Football Association of Ireland. he said: "When they are sure, they have to decide, not me. I have crossed the Alps barefoot and I have overcome many difficult situations in my career.

"Every manager has moments when he loses. After the Euros, we have lost only one game to Germany, the second team in the world. It's no problem."

Trapattoni revealed he had had no contact with FAI chief executive since the debacle at the Aviva Stadium on Friday night which proved the final straw for many, and there was no comment from the association over the claims that the end-game is already underway.

However, asked if he expected to see out his contract, he admitted that decision may not be his to make. He said: "I don't know. Game to game, we can show the results we have achieved, but it's not me who will decide. Until now, we lost one game. Why change immediately after Germany?

"I can ask you all, why change immediately your opinion? We lost one game against Germany, and we were missing six players from the Euros.

"Why I have to discuss it, I don't know. My job is to overcome the criticism. Every 90 minutes is 90 minutes. I accept the criticism. We played badly and they (Germany) were very, very superior."