There's a person trying to destroy my career - Vera Pauw

Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw believes there is an individual actively trying to "destroy" her career.

Ireland face France at Tallaght Stadium tonight in a farewell friendly before they head to Australia for the FIFA Women's World Cup. However the pre-match build-up has been dominated by an article published in The Athletic this week which chronicled Pauw's time at Houston Dash.

Four ex-players and three former members of staff spoke about Pauw's reign under the cover of anonymity, with the Dutch woman's methods described as being "abusive and inappropriate".

Pauw said the timing of the article was a deliberate effort to undermine her as she prepares for the tournament, adding: "There is a person that is targeted to destroy my career. This agenda is known, this agenda has been on Twitter, this agenda is with me and I have said that after the World Cup I am going to see if we go to take legal actions. But for now this strategy works."

Pauw declined to name the individual.

Two weeks ago the 60-year-old indicated that talks were ongoing with the FAI about a new deal. Her current contract expires after the World Cup.

When asked on Thursday if things had developed any further, she said: "That is something you need to ask the FAI. I have said what I had to say about it.

"I said I am happy in Ireland. Ireland has embraced me and that I feel very, very comfortable here."

When asked if she expected to be Ireland manager after the World Cup, she replied: "We will see. It is not signed, we will see. I am happy here. I want to stay here and we will see what is happening."

Captain Katie McCabe, present at the press conference alongside her manager, was also asked about Pauw's future.

"It’s not my decision to make," she said. "I’ve