FAI CHIEF EXECUTIVE and Irish manager Giovanni Trapattoni met in Dublin today to iron out several issues regarding the Italian’s job, it has emerged.

After a week of speculation that Trapattoni was set to be sacked due to Ireland’s 6-1 defeat at the hands of Germany, the association held discussions on Wednesday and announced that they were backing the 73-year-old to continue the nation’s challenge for a place at the 2014 World Cup.

And, in statement released in the past few minutes, it has been revealed that the pair had talks today: “The Football Association of Ireland today (October 19) announced that its Chief Executive held a constructive meeting with Giovanni Trapattoni in Abbotstown following the FAI Board of Management’s decision to reaffirm the manager’s position on Wednesday.

The meeting recognised that the Association and Giovanni Trapattoni have always enjoyed a solid relationship. It also dealt with some issues that needed to be addressed following Wednesday’s meeting of the FAI Board of Management and this was done in a workmanlike and professional manner.”

Commenting on the meeting, Trapattoni added: ”John and I met today to clarify the thoughts of the Board and these were agreed and confirmed by me. It was a useful and professional conversation and I thank him for this. During the meeting we discussed a number of points that were raised by the Board to help us continue to improve our work for the Association.”

It has been reported today that the FAI were keen for Trapattoni, who lives in Italy and travels to Dublin the week before international fixtures, to attend more matches involving Irish players in England.

Ireland have a five-month break from qualifiers, but host Greece and Poland in Dublin in the coming months.

Scouting mission: 5 grounds Trap should visit this weekend

Turkish Delight: Drogs to host Trabzonspor