If I Should Fall From Grace With Slaven Bilic
Credit:
Croatia manager Slaven Bilic has adopted an unusual method of preparation ahead of tomorrow night's friendly against Ireland- he says that he went to see the Pogues in Zagreb two weeks ago.
Bilic confessed that he and his management team are "big fans" of the Pogues and lauded Shane McGowan and company as "a world class band."
But not all of his preparation for the match in the Aviva stadium tomorrow night has been so unorthodox. Bilic says that he watched Ireland's last five games and was impressed with what he saw. In particular, he praised the work of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni.
"Historically Irish teams have always been good, passionate teams [which are] solid [and] aggressive" said Bilic. "But Trapattoni has turned them into an extremely organised side. So that's why the last results are not a surprise for me."
Croatia have visited Dublin five times in the past but have never won- losing twice and drawing twice. Croatia are currently second in qualification group F of the UEFA Euro 2012- one point off group leader Greece. Bilic believes that tomorrow night's match will prove to be the perfect preparation for Croatia's Euro 2012 qualification campaign. "We couldn't dream of a better test before the qualification matches" he said.
The former West Ham player also weighed in on the subject of Ireland's top scorer Robbie Keane, who he played against when the Tallaght man was playing for Coventry City. "Of course, he is still a great player... he only needs to play more regularly for a club which he didn't do last season" Bilic said, before admitting that he had hoped to see him back in West Ham colours this season- "It's a shame he didn't stay with the Hammers."
One of Croatia's big-name players Luka Modric has been the subject of intense speculation concerning a move away from Tottenham Hotspur and Bilic says that he has spoken to the midfielder. "Of course I have spoken to Luka," he said, "I speak to him every few days. He is good in his head but you'd have to ask Luka about [the transfer]."
Bilic confessed that he and his management team are "big fans" of the Pogues and lauded Shane McGowan and company as "a world class band."
But not all of his preparation for the match in the Aviva stadium tomorrow night has been so unorthodox. Bilic says that he watched Ireland's last five games and was impressed with what he saw. In particular, he praised the work of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni.
"Historically Irish teams have always been good, passionate teams [which are] solid [and] aggressive" said Bilic. "But Trapattoni has turned them into an extremely organised side. So that's why the last results are not a surprise for me."
Croatia have visited Dublin five times in the past but have never won- losing twice and drawing twice. Croatia are currently second in qualification group F of the UEFA Euro 2012- one point off group leader Greece. Bilic believes that tomorrow night's match will prove to be the perfect preparation for Croatia's Euro 2012 qualification campaign. "We couldn't dream of a better test before the qualification matches" he said.
The former West Ham player also weighed in on the subject of Ireland's top scorer Robbie Keane, who he played against when the Tallaght man was playing for Coventry City. "Of course, he is still a great player... he only needs to play more regularly for a club which he didn't do last season" Bilic said, before admitting that he had hoped to see him back in West Ham colours this season- "It's a shame he didn't stay with the Hammers."
One of Croatia's big-name players Luka Modric has been the subject of intense speculation concerning a move away from Tottenham Hotspur and Bilic says that he has spoken to the midfielder. "Of course I have spoken to Luka," he said, "I speak to him every few days. He is good in his head but you'd have to ask Luka about [the transfer]."
About Niall Farrell
Niall Farrell is our correspondent at Tolka Park, covering the goings-on at Shelbourne. You can visit Niall's website for further information and contact details- niallf.net. View Full Profile