91Èȱ¬

Giovanni Trapattoni has held talks with Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney in the wake of the governing body's decision to retain him as Republic of Ireland manager.

Trapattoni was backed by the FAI on Wednesday after days of speculation that his job was under threat.

An FAI statement described Friday's meeting as "constructive".

Trapattoni, 73, added that the meeting with Delaney had been a "useful and professional conversation".

"John and I met today to clarify the thoughts of the board and these were agreed and confirmed by me," said the Italian.

"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."

The FAI statement said that the "association and Giovanni 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."

Trapattoni's position appeared under huge threat after last Friday's 6-1 World Cup qualifier hammering by Germany in Dublin.

The FAI refused to make any public comment on Trapattoni's future between the Germany defeat and Tuesday's qualifier in the Faroe Islands and continued that silence in the immediate aftermath of the 4-1 win in Torshavn.

However, following Wednesday's FAI board meeting, the association announced that Trapattoni would remain in charge of the Republic team.

Trapattoni has been criticised for allegedly not attending enough club matches in person to run his eye over the form of Republic squad members and prospective players.

The Italian's man-management has also been questioned with Darron Gibson quitting the squad following the dismal Euro 2012 campaign and Trapattoni also describing Shane Long as "idiotic" after the friendly against Serbia in August.

The FAI's comment on Wednesday that they "recognised the depth of feeling surrounding the team, the results and the manager" has led to speculation that Trapattoni will be asked to address his alleged shortcomings.

A severance package for Trapattoni and his management team could have cost the FAI more than £2m and there is the perception that this factor more than any other led the association to retain the Italian as boss.