Trapattoni - A Life in Football by Egon Theiner and Elisabeth Schammerl

 

This is the first English language biography of one the most successful managers in European football who will now lead Ireland in their 2010 World Cup qualification campaign. The book features an introduction by the well-known, Italian based soccer journalist Paddy Agnew as well as an extensive closing chapter on the machinations that led up to his appointment. There are 32 pages of rare and previously unseen photos from both Trapattoni’s playing and coaching career.

It is no exaggeration that the appointment of Giovanni Trapattoni to the position of Irish team manager was greeted as one of the most ambitious and indeed surprising decisions in Irish sport. Following the hugely disappointing campaign under the totally inexperienced former player Steve Staunton, the Irish public waited impatiently and sceptically for the FAI to get their man. The announcement of Giovanni Trapattoni as the new manager has been greeted with almost unanimous approval – the ‘world class’ manager that John Delaney promised has finally been appointed, even if it is two years late. But who is Giovanni Trapattoni? This new biography charts the spectacular career of the man who played for AC Milan and was capped for Italy, who then went on to manage Inter and AC Milan, Juventus Bayern Munich and Benfica amongst others – winning seven Serie A titles, European and UEFA cups before managing an Italian national team that were robbed at the 2002 World Cup in Korea. From his upbringing in the war years to his signing to AC Milan, including all the highs and lows of international football, and ultimately club and international management, the book is a comprehensive overview of this modern footballing titan. The level of interest in this appointment and his team of Tardelli and Brady guarantees a huge curiosity and enthusiasm for this well-timed release.