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| Thursday 21 February, 2008 |
| Blog: Trap shooting |
The FAI believes ex-Azzurri boss Giovanni Trapattoni can end a chapter of Eire underachievement. Paul Watson thinks Trap needs the luck of the Irish
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When Giovanni Trapattoni was unveiled as the new Republic of Ireland boss, the selection committee could hardly contain their pride at luring a man who oozes top-level experience. After the failure of Steve Staunton, the Irish were looking for a figure who could command respect and instil discipline in a squad that certainly isn’t lacking in natural talent.
Trap’s credentials are beyond dispute. Seven Scudetti, a clean sweep of European honours and titles in Germany, Austria and Portugal pay testament to a tactical mastermind. Given his fiercely traditional work ethic and lack of time for the excesses of the modern-day footballer, it is easy to see why the former Juventus boss seemed the ideal candidate.
However, Trap’s appointment could prove more risky than his CV suggests. No amount of success in Austria can hide the fact that he is getting a little too long in the tooth for such an adventure.
During his modest spell in charge of the Azzurri, a cautious and outdated approach saw Italy look far from a side that would conquer the world just two years later. Trap was derided as a footballing dinosaur as World Cup 2002 and Euro 2004 ended in ignominy.
Trapattoni hasn’t got any younger since he was axed by Italy. Furthermore he is cutting an increasingly Victor Meldrew-esque figure at Press conferences. Over a decade has passed since his first overseas engagement with Bayern Munich. While the 68-year-old’s grasp of German has improved, his media skills haven’t.
The rantings of an angry Trap in a foreign tongue make for great comedy when a side is winning, but the joke could wear thin if Ireland stumble. The former midfielder could be in for a level of media grilling and ridicule he has never experienced before and I’m not sure he has the personality to deal with it.
Trap’s first few results could set him on the path to the role of cult hero or laughing stock. Let’s just hope he gets lucky in the lottery of international friendlies.
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I believe that selecting Trapattoni is a bit risky from certain angles, but overall I think it will prove a positive choice. How quickly everyone forgets the refereeing debacle that brought Italy out of the 2002 WC. Italy was a far better team than the mediocre Brazil that took the cup, having been denied 6 goals in less than 3 games of the competition. In 2002, Italy's troubles had nothing to do with the coach. The Irish team has some very capable offense, and Trapattoni's defensive mind will add balance to that. Furthermore, Ireland's main rival in their group will be Italy, Bulgaria having made its recent ascent based largely on results against much lesser teams, and there is really only one person after Lippi who is more familiar with the Italian team's players and their game. I also believe that Trapattoni's tactical knowledge, though a bit Italo-centric, is much underrated. As a massive fan of Italian football and style I would love to see some of it rub off on the Irish. Without question I want the Italians advance, but I am hoping and predicting that the Irish do well. We shall see.
John L. Philadelphia
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