GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI SAYS that Roy Keane is doing well with the Republic of Ireland and believes that the Boys in Green can “have a good run” at Euro 2016.
Keane drew the ire of Trapattoni when he criticised the performance of the Italian’s team at Euro 2012, scathingly remarking that Ireland’s 4-0 defeat to eventual champions Spain was “a reality check” for Irish internationals “who think they are top players”.
The former Juventus and Bayern Munich coach promptly dismissed Keane’s comments, suggesting that the Cork native had not done much of note since moving into management.
“It is not my habit to be critical of other colleagues as coaches or managers, but what has he done after he finished playing?” Trapattoni said in June 2012.
“Roy Keane was a great player. He obtained very good results as a player. Now that he is a coach he should just stick to focusing on getting results as a coach.”
Trapattoni eventually stepped down as Ireland manager in September 2013 after failing to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, with Keane going on to join the Italian’s successor Martin O’Neill as assistant manager in November of the same year.
The former Manchester United captain subsequently helped O’Neill to steer the Irish team to the European Championship finals in France and Trapattoni feels that the experience is a good one for the 44-year-old coach.
“Keane is doing well. He has experience and ideas” Trapattoni told Goal. “He’s putting the things that he learned as a player into practice as a coach.
“He’s had a beautiful human and professional experience in Ireland, having the opportunity to work with cutting-edge facilities and the chance to enjoy a great relationship with the people; who are always passionate about the national team and above all else, always respectful towards the work of the coaches.”
Ireland have been drawn in Group E along with Italy, Sweden and Belgium at the tournament and Trapattoni feels that, while other teams are technically stronger, Ireland’s physicality and tactical nous means that they can still achieve something.
“Ireland can have a good run at the Euros,” said the 76-year-old. “With compactness and good tactics, they can think of doing well.
“It’s clear that from a technical point of view, there are stronger squads and therefore Ireland will have to fight a lot to try to do well.”
Martin O’Neill took over the reins from Trapattoni in November 2013, just over a year on from Ireland’s disappointing elimination from Euro 2012, where the team bowed out after defeats to Croatia, Spain and Italy.
Despite ending his time with Ireland on a low point, the Trapattoni insists that he is “happy” to have managed the Boys in Green.
“We did something great through hard work and I’m very happy to have had that experience,” continued the former Juventus and Bayern Munich boss.
He added: “When I trained Ireland, only the prowess of [Andrea] Pirlo managed to beat us. Ireland is a squad with great gifts in terms of character and never gives up.
“On an athletic and physical level, they’re leaders. Tactically, it’s a team that has grown a lot.”
Keane is still our best striker by a mile, even at his age. He could well do what Totti has done and play until he’s 40. Let’s face it, we need him. Look at Doyle, people barely know where he plays now, not to mention he couldn’t even start for Wolves last seas on. Then we’ve Long, God knows the last time he even scored a goal. After that there’s a few more jokers such as Walters, Sammon and Cox. And yet no room for Sheridan. Baffling!
Everybody should have faith!! It’ll be tough but we can definitely get something out of this game…
Nicking a draw will be an absolute result for us.. COYBIG!
I moved to Germany in the summer and I’m going to the match on Tuesday. Can’t wait for it. Hopefully the lads can get a result, it will be tough but Germany are not up to speed yet after their WC win so no reason we can’t go out and do a job
Apart from maybe the German players, and their tactics!!
Yeah kev that’s the way Poland saw it too…..
I’d be fearful of a German backlash…!! If we could sneak a draw it’d be great.
I fear it will be the same as last time if we have ward on the pitch as a full back and mcgeady lacking the defensive capabilitirs to save his arse. . People looking for solace in the germans other games are stretching credulity. The scots had a tricky pacy striker who did the damage and the poles had a similar threat with the quality of lewandoski. I hope i am very wrong and lads stand up and play at a level they have not shown thus far .
Of course we wont have exactly the same scenario as at lansdowne 2 years ago but i think we will have enough of it to be worried against an angry german outfit.