GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI BRUSHED off suggestions that his job is jeopardy last night and insisted that his players will bounce back from the humiliating defeat to Germany.
The Italian watched his side being torn to shreds by the team ranked second in the world – conceding six unanswered goals before Andy Keogh’s consolation at the final whistle.
After the disappointing showing at the European Championships and a narrow win over Kazakhstan last month, the pressure has been mounting on the 73-year-old with many fans believing he should end his four-year spell as Ireland’s international manager.
However, at his post-match press conference, Trapattoni was in bullish form and while he admitted this team didn’t show the kind of fight which got them to the Euro 2012, he is adamant they will recover for Tuesday’s trip to the Faroe Islands.
“Sure, they played inferior (than usual),” said Trapattoni. “Usually we have more aggression, confidence and have more direction. It was easy for them (Germany) to pass the ball, and it was difficult for us.
“Usually there is a reaction. They (the players) are down, very disappointed. I lost once by six goals in Italy. But we showed we can recover attitude, spirit of the team in Kazakhstan and against Oman.
The players must answer and I’m sure they can answer. There is a very important situation here. I am proud about our players because their commitment is full, 100%.
“I don’t accept the other players. This team has the mentality.”
Trapattoni, who earlier this year signed a new two-year deal with the FAI, was asked whether he feels he is now fighting for his job and why he wants to continue in the role with a team which is on the wrong end of these kind of results.
“Because I am proud about this team and about these results,” he explained. “There is a very difficult situation. Your newspaper is the best newspaper in Ireland? The second or the third? Why are you this job?”
When the journalist in question responded that he worked for the money and enquired whether he did the same, Trap anwered: ”It’s not the money. It’s a proud and professional job. I can try this with money or no money.
“I am proud about my job, because I was in four countries and won in every country. It’s no language… remember.”
There was also a mention of the booing which came from a small section of fans, which he claimed didn’t bother him.
“Do not forget three years ago, the ranking Ireland was 32, 28. Now we have 18. We have recovered many place and discovered many young players – like Coleman and Brady today. And others.
“Germany the second best team in the the world. They’re players play in the best European teams teams. They play in the Champions League, Premier League and German teams.
“We have these players… we have no other players.”
