GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI believes he got the most out of the Republic of Ireland players at his disposal on an “emotional” journey to Euro 2012 that saw them finish second to Russia in qualification before a convincing 5-1 aggregate win over Estonia in the play-offs.
Not for the first time the manager has sought to temper expectations of what he sees as a limited group of players ahead of tournament group games against Croatia, Spain and Italy in Poznan and Gdansk in June.
“We don’t have those outstanding players like, for example, Spain or players like Messi or Ronaldo,” he said. “We’re a team; we’re a well-organised team, well-balanced and with a precise identity so we know how to play when we need to play and we know how to defend when we have to defend.
“I think that the modern game means achieving the maximum you can with what you have at your disposal, and I think we have achieved the maximum.”
The manager is proud of his achievements, thus far, having narrowly missed out on World Cup 2010 before securing Ireland’s place at a major tournament for the first time since the 2002 World Cup in Japan and Korea.
“Without a doubt, I’ve put myself into an Ireland that has been facing problems,” he said. “They’ve said that the football team with Trapattoni has helped lift a whole nation, and I have to say it’s been very emotional, because we’ve really lifted the nation.”
Trapattoni extended his contract with the FAI late last year and will look to guide Ireland to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil from September, when he expects the younger generation of players to figure in his plans more than they have to date.
“Obviously it wasn’t easy but after everything we went through and achieving our objectives, I was convinced that there is a chance of a continuation in the future with all the new young players who become a second option and continue on this path.
“Forget the immediate past and propose a new one. The new challenge gives you motivation and new emotions and a new objective.”
Ireland will play Group C opponents Croatia first, with the two sides scheduled to meet in Poznan on June 10th. The second game is against Spain in Gdansk four days later, before he takes on his homeland in Poznan on the 18th.
