GERMANY ASSISTANT COACH Hans-Dieter Flick hailed Ireland coach Giovanni Trappatoni ahead of their World Cup qualifier tomorrow night in Dublin.
Germany can make it three wins out of three in Group C if they emerge victorious from the Aviva Stadium, while Ireland can move level on points with victory against their opponents.
And Flick admits they are wary of Trappatoni’s football philosophy and style of play.
“I think (Giovanni) Trappatoni has analysed our team very well,” he said. “So we expect their team to be strong in defending, that’s the Italian school.
“They have a lot of passion, they put in a lot of energy and have a great dynamic in the offence and we need to be aware of that. He is an absolute tactical genius and he will have some ideas. But we are second in the world ranking and Ireland rank 26 or so.
“That’s why we are the favourites and we take that role. We know our strength we know we can play well and we can show that. We have the needed respect but no fear.”
Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski echoed Flick’s sentiment, but is confident there is enough quality at Germany’s disposal to leave Ireland with maximum points.
“It is an uncomfortable contest. I think their fans a crazy but in a good way,” the former Cologne marksman said. ”I heard they have a new stadium, there will be 40,000 crazy fans of Ireland. It will be a difficult match, we need to prepare well.
“But of course we will travel there tomorrow and get the three points on Friday.”
