Trust me and Ireland will succeed, says Trapattoni
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The new Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has demanded his players trust him above all else if the team are to once again become regular qualifiers for World Cup and European Championship finals. "Trust" was a word Trapattoni repeated on many occasions on the day he was finally introduced as the new man in charge.
The hugely experienced Trapattoni is seen as the ideal coach to end Ireland's qualification drought after failing to reach the last three major tournaments.
The Football Association of Ireland, after the gross mistake they made in appointing Steve Staunton last time out, have paid handsomely to attract a manager of Trapattoni's reputation. The 69-year-old Italian has won countless trophies as both player and manager during an illustrious career, and now the hope is that his magic rubs off on a squad that has underachieved for too long.
Trapattoni is insistent if his players learn to trust him, his ideas and philosophy, then together they can bring the good times back. "All the Ireland players have to be proud to be in the national squad, that's the first thing," said Trapattoni, determined to put his thoughts across in English, although on occasions he called on the use of an interpreter. "After that, they must trust what I say because in my life I have been lucky, but I also have many scars. So when the players trust me, trust my mentality, we can achieve 10 per cent more. We have good players with good qualities, but they have to believe in me. That is important."
Trapattoni is charged with the task of ensuring Ireland qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa and he held up Greece as a prime example of what can be achieved by a small nation. "I have already said I am here because we have good players, and we have a chance of qualifying," stressed Trapattoni. "Look at Greece four years ago. Who thought Greece would win the European Championships? Ireland has experienced players who play in England, which is very important, and there is also youth, so we have a good blend. At first, I won't change things a lot. It's dangerous to do that."
Trapattoni has assembled a support team with a mix of Irish and Italian personnel. Marco Tardelli and Liam Brady are his right-hand men, while he also has former Republic internationals Frank Stapleton and Mick Martin to call on, with Fausto Rossi serving as fitness coach.
"I have always sought a challenge to bring out the best in me," added Trapattoni. "When Don Givens [a member of the three-man head-hunting panel] asked me if I would be interested in becoming Ireland manager, I became very excited. I think this job is the right one at the right time for me."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments