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Cat is in the Sack

15 of the most memorable quotes from Trap’s Ireland career

The Italian has come out with some great lines over the past five years.

Updated 22.45

Early on in his new role

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With that mentality and condition, we have a good team. Two or three young players give us more strength and power, like [Liam] Miller and [Glenn] Whelan in midfield. They are not superstars, but they are very, very important in our midfield. Not every team has a (Cristiano) Ronaldo who makes the difference.

– May 2008

We would soon learn his favourite phrase…

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They are little details, but the little details are very important.

– May 2008

After Thierry Henry’s handball

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I cannot speak, I am so angry. It is a bitter evening, we played a great game. All the European people saw we deserved to win or at least get to penalties. In my life it is the second time something like this has happened. All I ask is for fair play. There has been a big mistake, the referee could have asked Henry. It’s clear, too clear, two situations.

– November 2009

Appearing on the Late, Late Show

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Every club, every national team look for you to win. It’s not easy… it’s always a challenge. I’m no Saint Giovanni. I cannot win always but I love my job.

– October 2010

Calling for support from the Irish fans

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Our support is very, very important for all the game. They can be the 12th player in the pitch. We need their support.

– August 2011

After their 4-0 first leg win over Estonia

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We are proud of our players. I am a little bit emotional and it’s important because the team believe us. We choose the 11 go on the pitch. Sometimes choose one, sometimes other. But all answer us with the same mentality, attitude, personality.

– November 2011

His most famous quote – said before the Euro 2012 play-off

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Don’t jump the gun. In Italy it is other meaning but the same. Be careful the cat, no say the cat is in the sack when you have not the cat in the sack.

– November 2011

On a former player

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We bought Del Piero at Juventus when he was 17-years-old. He was on the bench and for the second half, I told him to go on. Four minutes and thirty seconds, he scored a goal and I said he will have a great career, Del Piero is fantastic.

– May 2012

After Euro 2012

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In two games we had very few reactions, we were impotent. Conceding a goal at the start meant that we went to war without weapons and in this situation it is very difficult. But do I have to remind you that it had been 24 years since Ireland were at the European Championships? I must defend the job I have done because it is the truth that I have done well.

– June 2012

Reacting to comments made by Roy Keane

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He has been a great player and had great success. I don’t know if he achieved the same results as coach or manager. I can ask him why? I think for intelligent man, I can’t understand it.

–June 2012

He wasn’t happy with Shane Long

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Before the game we made a tactical (formation) with Shane Long, with (Jon) Walters, with (Aiden) McGeady. Ask Shane Long what he said, after this, ‘I have pain’.The doctor, worry, and so in hospital. They took him for a scan. And now he says he is fit, that is idiotic. Is idiot. No, (he) is no baby.

– August 2012

…or James McClean

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Another manager, English or German, would have said take your bag and go home, but I might need him in the game to score a goal. He was mortified (when he was pulled up in front of the squad). If he could have, he would have eaten his words. He was very apologetic. I said to everyone this is not about respect for the manager, this is about respect for everyone. I said the players are your colleagues.

– September 2012

On the defensive

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If you write one bad article, does your editor says ‘Okay, you are out’ because of one bad article? I think no.

– November, 2012

Under pressure after the defeat to Germany

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I have crossed the Alps barefoot and overcome most difficult situations in my career

– November 2012

When asked about his managerial position two days ago

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If I was John Delaney, I say Giovanni continue because Giovanni make great job

– September 2013

All images: INPHO

First published 14.03

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