Trap reasonably pleased with Irish display
Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni was reasonably pleased with his side's performance following their 0-0 draw against Croatia at the Aviva Stdium last night. “I feel that our players played quite well. The team achieved a good balance. Our attitude was good.”
Speaking at the Clarion hotel after announcing a provisional 32 man squad for the upcoming European Championship qualifiers against Slovakia and Russia in September, Trapattoni revealed that he was happy with the performances of Robbie Keane and Glenn Whelan also.
However the Italian did praise Stephen Ward in particular , but he would not be drawn on the possibility of the Wolves man starting against Slovakia “ The defenders played very well, particularly (Stephen) Ward, who showed great versatility after moving to midfield. I think Stephen Ward is ready to start in the qualifier, but in this position we also have O' Shea, McShane and Kelly.”
As usual Ireland started with two up front against the Croatians. Robbie Keane and Shane Long, who Croatian manager Slaven Billic singled out for his performance, led the line for the boys in green. However Trapattoni is prepared to change the system if necessary “We can change the system depending on the table. If we need to go to Moscow and win , we may play one striker with an extra player in midfield.”
The former Bayren Munich manager also believes that the Irish squad is better equipped to deal with injuries now, especially in the wide areas “ (Damien) Duff and (Stephen) Hunt played very well. We do have other options in the wide areas if we are without players. We were missing McGeady, who is an important player for us and also Coleman did not play either” added the Italian.
Speaking at the Clarion hotel after announcing a provisional 32 man squad for the upcoming European Championship qualifiers against Slovakia and Russia in September, Trapattoni revealed that he was happy with the performances of Robbie Keane and Glenn Whelan also.
However the Italian did praise Stephen Ward in particular , but he would not be drawn on the possibility of the Wolves man starting against Slovakia “ The defenders played very well, particularly (Stephen) Ward, who showed great versatility after moving to midfield. I think Stephen Ward is ready to start in the qualifier, but in this position we also have O' Shea, McShane and Kelly.”
As usual Ireland started with two up front against the Croatians. Robbie Keane and Shane Long, who Croatian manager Slaven Billic singled out for his performance, led the line for the boys in green. However Trapattoni is prepared to change the system if necessary “We can change the system depending on the table. If we need to go to Moscow and win , we may play one striker with an extra player in midfield.”
The former Bayren Munich manager also believes that the Irish squad is better equipped to deal with injuries now, especially in the wide areas “ (Damien) Duff and (Stephen) Hunt played very well. We do have other options in the wide areas if we are without players. We were missing McGeady, who is an important player for us and also Coleman did not play either” added the Italian.
