Giovanni Trapattoni was in a feisty mood as he defended his decision to axe Kevin Foley from Republic of Ireland's Euro 2012 squad.
Foley had been named in the original 23-man party announced by Trapattoni but the veteran coach elected to change the blend of his squad at the last minute.
The need for more centre-back options saw Paul McShane, who had been drafted in as cover, promoted at Foley's expense.
With the 73-year-old manager again questioned on the matter at the team's Italy training base, he quickly became agitated.
"I have already explained to you why I chose between two players with different characteristics," he said. "I don't have anything else to add.
"We speak about the training. We speak about what we can do again. The team is happy and playing well.
"I don't wish to speak again about this situation. Finished. Finished. Finished."
Asked specifically about Foley's use of the word "betrayed", Trapattoni added: "I was betrayed also.
"But I ask you, is Paul McShane an Irish player or a foreign player? I called in another Irish player, so I don't see the problem.
"I also clarified why. For the position, for the position. The position is for defender, it is clear. I didn't call a striker or a winger. I am finished with this question."
The veteran Italian manager invited the Wolves full-back to remain with the squad but after playing the second half of a friendly in neighbouring Pistoia, the 27-year-old decided to leave.
Foley's angry reaction has prompted speculation he will not feature for Ireland again under Trapattoni. But the man known in Italy as 'Il Trap' remained non-committal.
"He knows my opinion," he said. "We will let him stay quiet and think about what he will do. It's no problem. He must decide what he wants to do."
Asked if he has realised just how angry Foley was, he replied: "No. He said he was disappointed."
The saga has sparked a debate over whether or not Trapattoni should have named a 23-man squad as early as May 7th, rather than whittle the numbers down nearer the time.
Italian counterpart, Cesare Prandelli, has done just that, but the Ireland manager is adamant his compatriot now faces exactly the same problem.
The former Italy boss said: "You have to think that 50km from here, there is another national team.
"They have 32 players. Think about the nine players that will go home.
"It is gone. We have a responsibility to the team and with the country. We are professional, we are not idiots, not idiots.
"It is the same. To decide one or two or four is the same. They would all be disappointed.
"I have already explained to you in Italy many years ago that seven went home and seven were disappointed."
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