Giovanni Trapattoni has defended his record in charge of the Republic of Ireland amid growing speculation over his future.
Ireland's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup in Brazil next year took a major blow when they were beaten 2-1 by Sweden on Friday, giving the Swedes the edge in a three-horse race for second place in Group C.
However, Trapattoni believes that his five-year stint in charge of Ireland has been a success even if his side do not reach next summer's World Cup, highlighting their controversial exit at the hands of France in a playoff for the last World Cup and their qualification for Euro 2012.
"I continue my job. After this, if I was [Football Association of Ireland chief executive] John Delaney, I would say, 'Giovanni, continue because Giovanni has done a great job in these five years'," Trapattoni told reporters. "First was [the World Cup playoff in] France - and you know what happened. We changed again and we achieved [qualification for] the Euros, and we changed again.
"In the Euros, we played against Spain and Italy, who finished first and second. When I assess what we have done until now, we have to continue to do it. I promised change and promised to discover new players, young players, and the players have changed.
"I would like to have this new team at a club because I would have the possibility to work every day, every week with this team. I am sure I could develop this team, their quality and their experience very much."
Ireland currently sit fourth in Group C but could move back level on points with Sweden if they beat third-placed Austria tomorrow night.
Barney Corkhill
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