WHILE MANY OF the players and fans were downbeat following Ireland’s disappointing draw against Slovakia last night, the team’s manager refused to be too downhearted ahead of Tuesday’s make-or-break match with Russia.
Despite missing one or two late gilt-edged opportunities to win, Ireland were widely criticised for their performance, having been outplayed by Slovakia for long periods of the game.
Trapattoni, though, was determined to focus on the positive aspects of the performance, outlining how “our defence was very strong” and claiming that “two years ago, we could have lost this game”.
He was not overly concerned at Ireland’s failure to score, saying: “This is the first time we haven’t scored a goal.”
Nonetheless, he concedes that “in the first half, Slovakia were physically superior and had more possession,” adding that “we need to be more offensive” in future games.
Trapattoni pointed to the “two or three chances” Ireland missed to win the game, emphasising how “in these matches, there aren’t many chances to score”.
Consequently, the result has left Ireland in a difficult situation in Group B and arguably means the upcoming Russia clash represents a must-win game for the Republic.
So can Ireland achieve an unlikely win in Russia?
“Why not? It’s possible,” Trapattoni answers, in typically optimistic fashion. “If we recover our energy, we have a chance.”
Meanwhile, those calling for the inclusion of James McCarthy for Ireland’s next game are likely to be disappointed.
He explains: “We don’t need to change the defence or midfield. Our application is good. We need to be a little bit more incisive, but we have Duff, McGeady and Keane.”
He also refused to use the seeming lack of fitness displayed by both Kevin Doyle and Aiden McGeady as an excuse, saying:
“I was not disappointed by McGeady and Doyle. Hunt was a little bit fresher, but McGeady played well.”
The Italian was, however, left to rue the absence of Shane Long, admitting his side missed him from a tactical perspective as “they had big defenders, but they’re not very fast,” suggesting that Long’s pace could have exploited this deficiency.
So overall, how would Trapattoni summarise the game?
“It was not Manchester United versus Arsenal,” he notes, wryly referring to last Sunday’s 8-2 Premier League goal-fest.
No, indeed it wasn’t.
Positives?!
I want some of whatever he’s on.
National soccer these days is like watching paint dry.
League clubs, by contrast often make for great spectacles, and aren’t patronised half enough.
the donegal football team were a greater attacking threat!
That was truly turgid stuff last night, one of the worst home performances of recent years. Any team that has a central midfield axis of Whelan & Andrews is doomed. McGeady was dreadful, Robbie is now past it & Doyle had his worst game in a green jersey. Trap is in denial ( a la Arsene Wenger) and this campaign, like every other one since 1988 is doomed.
Doomed like 1990, 1994 & 2002, and other years when they made the playoffs. Trap is doing what he can with limited talent. Whelan didn’t play badly. Andrews did, but he had played well against Italy. Maybe he’ll drop him now for James McCarthy. People expect miracles from this Irish team. We’re a country of 4 million people, but we’ve always punched our above our weight. We only have a semi professional league too. Booing them was out of order.
@Paul. When I said 1988, it was because that was the last (and only) time we qualified for Euros. The argument which says we are small country, punch above our weight etc rings hollow. Andrews and Whelan were useless, they have as much creativity as 2 rubbish bins. There is no excuse for bad team selection and baffling player omissions, something Trap is regularly guilty of.
I do often think there is a lack of enthusiasm, or something, missing from journalists reports on Irish international soccer. I’m not saying the articles are intentionally down beat, but more that the reports usually leave me feeling a little disconcerted, unexcited or perhaps a bit spiritless. Come on Ireland !!!!!!!
It’s because they’re playing sh*te
McGeady was absolutely awful, can’t believe this stuff from Trap..
Hopefully keane is on his way back to LA,Absolutely effortless and his attempt with his head would of been easily scored if he wasn’t afraid of getting clung by the keeper!!
Easy to say trap out, kerr out, Staunton out and so on, we have limited resources and unfortunately our good ones act like prima donnas with no reputations.
Wes Houilhan
James McCarthy
Anthony Stokes
Jon Walters
Clive Clarke
Leon Best
Seamus Coleman
All overlooked
Trap Out
No I think you got the bitchy bit by naming out a bunch of guys who at best seem half hearted, easy blame the gaffer, the players that want to play is what the country wants not these mc carthy types that want to play for one game and not the next, the likes of kilbane and others mightn’t be the best in the world but at least the want to play. The guys you have named are gifted. You are the man.
Keep you knickers on don’t be upsetting yourself. You can’t tar all the above players with the James McCarthy brush. Its not the case that they are uninterested -they need to be given a chance and put in the squad.
Not sure you are up to speed on all this bar a populist James McCarthy bashing. Best stick with the golf Brian -looks like your swing could do with the practice anyway. That and your grammer. You the man.
Your the man for the job next, hopefully success is around the corner.
Wow, pretty bitchy. Hey thanks for your unexpected vote of confidence in my abilities all the same !
Trap Out
What positives?
I wouldn’t say Wes Houlihan is better than McGeady, Hunt or Duff (judging by club form). St. Ledger deserves his place more than Clarke, because of his attitude and commitment. Stephen Ward is playing better than Coleman.
Stokes, Walters – Long, Keane and Doyle are far more deserving of a place in the squad. Best should get a chance based on form.
Maybe but McGeady has been injured. Houlihan has already scored in the PL and Walters had a reasonable few last season. Kind of feel that Trap had lost touch with players outside the usual crew since Liam Brady has left the setup.
Who’s the bitch now Conor, you seem to be an authority on everything, and by the way keep your hair on this is only a blog, don’t get side tracked by grammar mistakes, look forward to seeing your face looking for the next managerial job somewhere, I do management myself and the best guys are the ones on the outside and I’m sure by your angle your on the outside.