Trapattoni bouyant after Nations Cup win
Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni was in buoyant humour after his side claimed the country’s first silverware since the Icelandic Tournament, won in 1986. Speaking after Ireland’s narrow 1-0 victory over Scotland, the manager revealed he was particularly happy with the manner in which his side had prevailed.
He said: “We scored nine goals and conceded nil goals. We played with confidence and with good discipline. I’m happy for the Irish people.”
“This is proof our players can play in any premier league team” he added defiantly.
Several players came in for particular praise from Trapattoni, with centre back Darren O’ Dea one of those who impressed the Italian: “He played well. He has experience.”
He went to explain the only reason he was substituted was because he didn’t want to take any risks with the Celtic defender.
That would suggest O’ Dea will start the crunch European 2012 Qualifier away to Macedonia next Saturday. The same was true for captain and goal scorer on the night Robbie Keane who was substituted after 80 minutes.
Another defender who came under the manager’s radar was Paul McShane. The defender put in one of his best performance in a green shirt, playing a big hand in the match winning goal. Like so many other Irish players Trapattoni is eager for the Wicklow to get more game time.
“Paul needs to play more games” he stated, before bizarrely adding: “He’s a sensitive man; a little shy. He needs more confidence. He comes across as tough but is a little sensitive.”
However Trapattoni also downplayed the victory, commenting: “When we lose it’s a disaster; when we win it’s normal”
The manager was keen not to rest on his laurels but recognised the positive impact winning the competition will have as his focus switches to the Macedonia game.
“We can go to Macedonia with more confidence now” he said.
On the long running saga of players not making themselves available for the Irish squad, the Italian stated he had no problems with the players who had not taken part in the internationals.
He said: “We scored nine goals and conceded nil goals. We played with confidence and with good discipline. I’m happy for the Irish people.”
“This is proof our players can play in any premier league team” he added defiantly.
Several players came in for particular praise from Trapattoni, with centre back Darren O’ Dea one of those who impressed the Italian: “He played well. He has experience.”
He went to explain the only reason he was substituted was because he didn’t want to take any risks with the Celtic defender.
That would suggest O’ Dea will start the crunch European 2012 Qualifier away to Macedonia next Saturday. The same was true for captain and goal scorer on the night Robbie Keane who was substituted after 80 minutes.
Another defender who came under the manager’s radar was Paul McShane. The defender put in one of his best performance in a green shirt, playing a big hand in the match winning goal. Like so many other Irish players Trapattoni is eager for the Wicklow to get more game time.
“Paul needs to play more games” he stated, before bizarrely adding: “He’s a sensitive man; a little shy. He needs more confidence. He comes across as tough but is a little sensitive.”
However Trapattoni also downplayed the victory, commenting: “When we lose it’s a disaster; when we win it’s normal”
The manager was keen not to rest on his laurels but recognised the positive impact winning the competition will have as his focus switches to the Macedonia game.
“We can go to Macedonia with more confidence now” he said.
On the long running saga of players not making themselves available for the Irish squad, the Italian stated he had no problems with the players who had not taken part in the internationals.
About Sam Griffin
Sam joined Extratime for the 2011 season and is now the site's features editor. He is based in Dublin and covers all the clubs in the capital. He is also prone to the odd Drogheda … View Full Profile