FORMER IRELAND MANAGER Giovanni Trapattoni says he is in discussions to become the next Ivory Coast boss.
The Italian parted ways with the FAI in September 2013 following five years in control of Ireland, a spell that included qualification for Euro 2012. Trapattoni has been out of work ever since.
However, the 75-year-old claims he is close to returning to the international management fray, having already rejected one position.
“The Ivory Coast? Everything should materialise in 15 days’ time,” Trapattoni told Italian radio station Rai Radio 2.
I could also have accepted taking charge of Morocco and I thought about it for 48 hours, but in the end I made my decision.”
Les Éléphants are on the look out for a new manager after opting not to offer Sabri Lamouchi a contract extension. The Frenchman failed to help the Ivory Coast out of Group C at the World Cup, with Colombia and Greece advancing instead.
Trapattoni’s extensive management CV includes time in charge of Italy, Milan, Juventus, Inter, Bayern Munich, Fiorentina, Cagliari, Benfica, Stuttgart and Salzburg. He has won league titles in Italy, Germany, Portugal and Austria.
His sole piece of silverware while Ireland manager was the 2011 Nations Cup.
