Trapattoni to stick with tried and trusted

Raskolnikov

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2012/0113/republicofireland_trapattonig.html

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has said he does not intend to bring new faces into the squad ahead of the Euro 2012 campaign.

Several young Irish players have impressed in the Premier League this season with Wes Hoolahan and Anthony Pilkington at Norwich, and James McClean at Sunderland among those attracting attention.

But Trapattoni intends to stick with the tried and trusted group that qualified Ireland for Euro 2012. That policy will also extend to the friendly matches Ireland will play before departing for Poland in June.

The Italian is in town for the Airtricity/Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland Awards, which take place tonight.

Asked about Sunderland winger McClean at a press conference in Dublin today, he said: "I am paying attention to others, but they are for the future, they are for the next squad. This squad got us good results, they achieved the qualifying, and I think they deserve to go. They know our system and our attitude."

The upcoming friendly in February - which could see Ireland take on Hungary - could see Ireland experiment with new ideas, but results are also important with the FIFA World Rankings also in the manager's mind.

He added: "It is important on the rankings. Second, we are not trying other ideas. We may try other options to help the squad but the main squad will feature. This is different to other friendlies; this is the start of a new campaign. It is important. ''

Trapattoni was also asked about his opinion on Robbie Keane's loan move to Aston Villa and Darron Gibson's transfer from Manchester United to Everton.

Commenting on Keane, he said: "I am happy with Robbie. He is moving to England. It is important that he is in the right mentality, he is not injured. England can be dangerous, but I am happy for him."

Having advocated a move for Gibson for a number of years, he was also positive about the midfielder's switch to Goodison Park.

He said: "At last. I ask why he sits on the bench, but now he has moved. It is good for him."

Leiva

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Squirrels like nuts .

wonderboysam

shame considering its 6 months away and form can easily change within that period, doubt youll find any other manager doing it! not suprising all the same

mal1

I think he's right. We can argue about who should have been included in the qualifiers but now that we are there, the guys who got us there, deserve to be there.

Raskolnikov

mal1 wrote: »

I think he's right. We can argue about who should have been included in the qualifiers but now that we are there, the guys who got us there, deserve to be there.

You're right in the most part, the various talks of dropping the likes of Keane, Duff and Doyle are ridiculous really. What I would like to think is that there is competition on the fringes of the squad.

Predalien

I'd agree with Trapatonni to an extent, but I don't see the point of having players like McShane and Keogh in the squad, they contribute very little and aren't real options. There should be a bit of room for Hoolahan, McClean and Clark and others to force their way into at least the squad if they play well enough.

its_phil

He's clearly not arsed watching any more DVD's now we are qualified

Predalien

Likelihood is too that there will be at least a few injuries, the Czech game should be used as an opportunity to give players on the brink of the squad the chance to get used to the system and as Trap says the mentality. So they know what's expected if they are needed.

Laois_Man

Depressed over this but not a bit surprised.

Some of the players he'll bring will be players who didn't do a darn thing to get us there - except maybe 1 or 2 of them make us a WORSE team!

It would be like Alex Ferguson refusing to strengthen his team in the Summer coz he wants to reserve Champions League games to the players who got Man Utd there. It would be ludicrous. But it's no different!

Brendan97

its good and bad
good - the players are tried and trusted and we know what to expect
bad - players like mcLean who are showing great form don't get a look in

Pro. F

Lack of squad competition is a bad thing. Loyalty to players is a useful tool for a manager, but completely ignoring form is farcical.

irish_man

Real shame for McClean & Co. I suppose taking a punt on McClean at this late stage would be a bit to risky, considering we already have McGeady and Duff who are decent enough. I know I may be slated for saying that but when we were calling out for Ward to replace Kilbane, Ward was deemed a great left back but didn't provide all the solutions we though he would. Far away fields aren't always green....

Corholio

Not surprising, but at the same disappointing and a little bit farcical. There should always be room for players to get into the squad. McLean has burst onto the scene (in England at least) and scored goals and put in some good displays. I think it'd really good to have a surprise element like him on the bench.

The teams in our group know exactly how were gonna play and 90% who's going to play too, that's in January, I find that very disappointing to be honest.

If he's not going to bring players into the squad, does that mean the likes of Keogh, McShane, Gibson, who have been making up the numbers really, will all be brought? Players who know each other too much can get complacent and stale, I fear this may happen with this group.

SirDelboy18

This is a complete disgrace. I'm sorry but under no circumstances should the happiness of a few dropped players be put before our campaign at the Euro 2012. Trapattoni has a responsibility to this country and he has continually shown himself as very unprofessional.

Fair enough he got us qualified, but it was a very weak group and the easiest play off draw and team is ever likely to get. The guy doesn't even go to the games. I don't see how he can neglect such an important part of his duties.

Anyway I'm getting sidetracked. Credit to him for getting us there, but I don't agree with his policies one bit.

If McClean continues to improve, then he should 100% be on the plane. Likewise for Pilkington.

wandatowell

mixednuts wrote: »

In other News ;

Squirrels like mixednuts .

Fixed that for you

the realpigiron

I've always been a fan of Damian Duff, however he's no longer a first pick at Fulham anymore. It's bound to affect his form if he's not playing regularly.

Trapatoni will obviously be loyal to players who got Ireland qualified, that's his way. But I'd say there will be changes for one reason or another before Euro 2012 starts. McClean should be in the squad ahead of Keogh that's a definite.

carlcon

We need to get a green jersey on Pilkington. May not be an immediate first choice, but wouldn't hurt to have him floating about the squad.

doomed

Mainly he's right. A pretty weak group has reached the finals and none of the prospective replacements is the new Messi. Also the spirit is fantastic and you need that. Ditching players who have done a lot to get us there would be a bit unfair and could damage the overall unit. However that does not apply to the likes of very average fringe players like Keogh, Gibson, McShane, Treacy etc. If I had one pick from outside the normal squad it would be Hoolahan.

Corholio

doomed wrote: »

Mainly he's right. A pretty weak group has reached the finals and none of the prospective replacements is the new Messi. Also the spirit is fantastic and you need that. Ditching players who have done a lot to get us there would be a bit unfair and could damage the overall unit. However that does not apply to the likes of very average fringe players like Keogh, Gibson, McShane, Treacy etc. If I had one pick from outside the normal squad it would be Hoolahan.

To be fair I don't think anyone is really saying ditch any of the guys who played regularly, even if Whelan and Andrews are relatively poor player's but thats another discussion. It's more the fact he's basically said I will keep the squad I have and not really look at anyone else at all. IMO it's unacceptable.

PHB

I agree with him, the players deserve it and I think they should get their shot.

However I want him to completely change tack the moment that the finals are over and start integrating the new players into the team.

Crazy Horse 6

mal1 wrote: »

I think he's right. We can argue about who should have been included in the qualifiers but now that we are there, the guys who got us there, deserve to be there.

This

Rhys Essien

This is absolute bollocks from Trap,just not acceptable.To do this in the second week in January.I bet there are a few Spanish,Dutch,German and English players who will be fighting for their place till May.

Two players I had hoped would be on the plane were Meyler and Wilson.

I think with McClean just coming on the scene it would have been a bit hopeful.
Also with the emergence of Shane Duffy.

With Hoolahan,sadly Trap for some reason does not like small creative players.

Trap sure likes getting people feckin flustrated.

Jesus Shaves

The players done well to qualify from what turned out to be a difficult group, they know what the manager wants from them, the system he uses and how he wants them to play
So that's why they deserve to go, blood the up and coming players in the WC qualifiers.

Rhys Essien

darokane wrote: »

The players done well to qualify from what turned out to be a difficult group, they know what the manager wants from them, the system he uses and how he wants them to play
So that's why they deserve to go, blood the up and coming players in the WC qualifiers.

On that basis get a system going with average players to grind out a few wins and draws from an average qualifier group and dont bother looking for good players to improve things for the actual tournement you qualified for.

Jesus Shaves

Rhys Essien wrote: »

On that basis get a system going with average players to grind out a few wins and draws from an average qualifier group and dont bother looking for good players to improve things for the actual tournement you qualified for.

Are you on the RTE panel?
The team that qualified deserved to be picked for the finals

tim_holsters

I was hoping that somehow Trap would make room for Hoolahan. A futile hope it would seem.

We lose the first game and we are fuked I think. If that scenario did occur it would be nice to have somebody like Hoolahan to add to the mix for the second game. We're such a one dimensional outfit it would be nice to have someone like him along. Too much of an extravagance for Trap though, McCarthy will have to do.

Dempsey

I see nothing wrong with Trap's reasoning for his approach. He's focussing on organisation and team morale to get results, bringing players that arent used to the system, that havent earned their place, would be potentially detrimental to what he has built. Many would have used the opportunity to try other players but that doesnt make his choice wrong. I trust his judgement on this tbh.

Also, him trying to make sure that we are making progress in the FIFA rankings is important. We would have gotten a better draw in the 2014 WC if we paid better attention to what friendlies we played at the time.

tim_holsters

Dempsey wrote: »

I see nothing wrong with Trap's reasoning for his approach. He's focussing on organisation and team morale to get results, bringing players that arent used to the system, that havent earned their place, would be potentially detrimental to what he has built. Many would have used the opportunity to try other players but that doesnt make his choice wrong. I trust his judgement on this tbh.

Also, him trying to make sure that we are making progress in the FIFA rankings is important. We would have gotten a better draw in the 2014 WC if we paid better attention to what friendlies we played at the time.

True, we qualified and that is that. But still....

Dempsey

tim_holsters wrote: »

True, we qualified and that is that. But still....

At different times, people were heckling him to include Ireland and Reid. Hindsight has proved him right on both counts. The players set to loose out havent exactly set the heather on fire, they dont know his system either.

Granted, McClean has exploded on the scene under MON but it remains to be seen if he can maintain that level of perform consistently for a significant period of time.

CSF

Dempsey wrote: »

At different times, people were heckling him to include Ireland and Reid. Hindsight has proved him right on both counts. The players set to loose out havent exactly set the heather on fire, they dont know his system either.

Granted, McClean has exploded on the scene under MON but it remains to be seen if he can maintain that level of perform consistently for a significant period of time.

The point isn't that he will be 100% definitely making the wrong decision bringing certain players, the point is he is unwilling to reconsider if it is the right decision.

tim_holsters

Dempsey wrote: »

At different times, people were heckling him to include Ireland and Reid. Hindsight has proved him right on both counts. The players set to loose out havent exactly set the heather on fire, they dont know his system either.

Granted, McClean has exploded on the scene under MON but it remains to be seen if he can maintain that level of perform consistently for a significant period of time.

The system is paramount, I know. But I think it's a mistake to not bring Hoolahan along. We don't have a plan B. I'm scared that our mediocrity will be exposed next summer. The Euro's isn't like the WC were maybe you may have an easy game or two in the group stage. Very tough from game one is the Euro's.

Not that Hoolahan is footballing genius or anything but you know he'd bring something to the party for sure.

Dempsey

tim_holsters wrote: »

The system is paramount, I know. But I think it's a mistake to not bring Hoolahan along. We don't have a plan B. I'm scared that our mediocrity will be exposed next summer. The Euro's isn't like the WC were maybe you may have an easy game or two in the group stage. Very tough from game one is the Euro's.

Not that Hoolahan is footballing genius or anything but you know he'd bring something to the party for sure.

As I said, I would be looking to involve form players that havent featured and resting the stalwarts but I cant say that Trap is wrong in his approach.

Pity someone didnt ask him,

"what will you do or what the plan when one, or several, of the fringe player(s) dont perform in the up coming friendlies. Surely looking at alternatives just before the finals is too late."

I would like to have heard the contingency plan for that scenario as would most.

Mr.Nice Guy

The annoyance on here is way overboard. There is nothing disgraceful about a manager stating he wants to stay loyal to the men who got him the results. In fact it would be disgraceful if he were to discard them. We are a small nation which relies upon our players showing a lot of heart and guts to get us through tough situations. What player is going to do that for a manager who they feel won't stand by them?

This ridiculous hype over certain players is also laughable. You'd swear we were talking about leaving behind a Neymar.

McClean looks promising but we are basing this on less than a handful of appearances. Sean Thornton ring a bell? Same club and all. We are well covered in the wing areas which is unfortunate for him and Pilkington.

Hoolahan looks a good player but would be completely untested in Trap's system and would represent a gamble. As for the notion that he should be on the plane in case we lose the first game...let me get this straight, we lose to Croatia and people think that in the next game - AGAINST SPAIN - we ought to put Wes Hoolahan in there to pit his wits against Xavi, Iniesta and co.? How about no.

tim_holsters

Dempsey wrote: »

As I said, I would be looking to involve form players that havent featured and resting the stalwarts but I cant say that Trap is wrong in his approach.

Pity someone didnt ask him,

"what will you do or what the plan when one, or several, of the fringe player(s) dont perform in the up coming friendlies. Surely looking at alternatives just before the finals is too late."

I would like to have heard the contingency plan for that scenario as would most.

I suppose with Trap it's players that fit the system and that's the be all and end all. Trap thinks our players are poor and tbh he's probably right.

Rhys Essien

Mr.Nice Guy wrote: »

The annoyance on here is way overboard. There is nothing disgraceful about a manager stating he wants to stay loyal to the men who got him the results. In fact it would be disgraceful if he were to discard them. We are a small nation which relies upon our players showing a lot of heart and guts to get us through tough situations. What player is going to do that for a manager who they feel won't stand by them?

This ridiculous hype over certain players is also laughable. You'd swear we were talking about leaving behind a Neymar.

McClean looks promising but we are basing this on less than a handful of appearances. Sean Thornton ring a bell? Same club and all. We are well covered in the wing areas which is unfortunate for him and Pilkington.

Hoolahan looks a good player but would be completely untested in Trap's system and would represent a gamble. As for the notion that he should be on the plane in case we lose the first game...let me get this straight, we lose to Croatia and people think that in the next game - AGAINST SPAIN - we ought to put Wes Hoolahan in there to pit his wits against Xavi, Iniesta and co.? How about no.

IMO Hoolahan would hold his own against any of those players.Shur we will just have to wait to see Glenn Whelan run rings around them.:(

tim_holsters

Mr.Nice Guy wrote: »

The annoyance on here is way overboard. There is nothing disgraceful about a manager stating he wants to stay loyal to the men who got him the results. In fact it would be disgraceful if he were to discard them. We are a small nation which relies upon our players showing a lot of heart and guts to get us through tough situations. What player is going to do that for a manager who they feel won't stand by them?

This ridiculous hype over certain players is also laughable. You'd swear we were talking about leaving behind a Neymar.

McClean looks promising but we are basing this on less than a handful of appearances. Sean Thornton ring a bell? Same club and all. We are well covered in the wing areas which is unfortunate for him and Pilkington.

Hoolahan looks a good player but would be completely untested in Trap's system and would represent a gamble. As for the notion that he should be on the plane in case we lose the first game...let me get this straight, we lose to Croatia and people think that in the next game - AGAINST SPAIN - we ought to put Wes Hoolahan in there to pit his wits against Xavi, Iniesta and co.? How about no.

I thought Italy was the second game. What's wrong with Hoolahan pitting his wits against Spain, you think he's a dim witted footballer?

He's probably the closest player we have to the Spanish players you mentioned. It's just sad that a player of Hoolahan's undoubted quality is probably going to be left behind. That's all I'm saying.

And whoever thought S Thornton was any good ffs.

Dempsey

Hoolahan is nowhere near the level Xavi or Iniesta.

Against Spain he wouldnt be up to the task defensively, even if he was will drilled in the system, and that is what matters.

tim_holsters

Dempsey wrote: »

Hoolahan is nowhere near the level Xavi or Iniesta.

Against Spain he wouldnt be up to the task defensively, even if he was will drilled in the system, and that is what matters.

No one is saying he is. Is Italy the second game?

Mr.Nice Guy

Hoolahan is light years behind the likes of Xavi and Iniesta and I say that with no disrespect intended towards the guy. The Irish players will probably have around 35% possession against Spain and most of that will involve playing it back to the likes of Dunne to hoof it forward to Doyle/Long or whoever.

Ireland play Spain in the second game.

tim_holsters

Sh1t thought it was the last game. Makes it even worse if we lose the first one.

Pro. F

Mr.Nice Guy wrote: »

Hoolahan is light years behind the likes of Xavi and Iniesta and I say that with no disrespect intended towards the guy. The Irish players will probably have around 35% possession against Spain and most of that will involve playing it back to the likes of Dunne to hoof it forward to Doyle/Long or whoever.

Ireland play Spain in the second game.

We should have our best target man on the pitch if that is what we are going to do, we won't though. We will have Doyle because ''he knows the system''.

Sorry to pick out one bit of your post, it's just that that vexes me.

Mr.Nice Guy

tim_holsters wrote: »

Sh1t thought it was the last game. Makes it even worse if we lose the first one.

Yeah if we lose to Croatia it could become a massive anti-climax. Hopefully we can get something.

Pro. F wrote:

We should have our best target man on the pitch if that is what we are going to do, we won't though. We will have Doyle because ''he knows the system''.

Sorry to pick out one bit of your post, it's just that that vexes me.

That might be Trap's biggest call, especially with the form of Doyle at the moment. If the forward chosen doesn't perform in that game then we could be destroyed.

Father Damo

Predalien wrote: »

I'd agree with Trapatonni to an extent, but I don't see the point of having players like McShane and Keogh in the squad, they contribute very little and aren't real options. .

Its been a long time but I always recall Keogh playing well for us

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Ireland_national_football_team#Squad

23 man squad is it? Do we HAVE to bring 3 goalies?

I completely trust Trap no matter how bizarre his decisions are, but Id have grave reservations about him definitely leaving out players he just doesnt seem to see as vital to his system (Long and Best primarily). I know he plays a defensive game but it would still be baffling.

Dempsey

tim_holsters wrote: »

No one is saying he is. Is Italy the second game?

Sorry tim, look at Rhys Essien's last post there, he suggested that he was and that comment i made was aimed at him, not you.

Italy is the 3rd game

tim_holsters

I can't see Doyle's form recovering either, I wonder what is wrong? It's a war of attrition for Wolves now until the end of the season.

tim_holsters

Dempsey wrote: »

Sorry tim, look at Rhys Essien's last post there, he suggested that he was and that comment i made was aimed at him, not you.

Italy is the 3rd game

Had it me head since the draw that Spain was the last game, it's not good news at all that it's the 2nd.

Still I suppose it may make little difference, 1 point from the first game at least, is still essential.

Dempsey

Father Damo wrote: »

Its been a long time but I always recall Keogh playing well for us

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Ireland_national_football_team#Squad

23 man squad is it? Do we HAVE to bring 3 goalies?

I completely trust Trap no matter how bizarre his decisions are, but Id have grave reservations about him definitely leaving out players he just doesnt seem to see as vital to his system (Long and Best primarily). I know he plays a defensive game but it would still be baffling.

Didnt a team, North Korea i think, press FIFA on that rule at the last WC and they were told that the 3 named keepers can only play in goal. Personally I think a squad should be allowed take the risk of only bringing 2.

tim_holsters wrote: »

I can't see Doyle's form recovering either, I wonder what is wrong? It's a war of attrition for Wolves now until the end of the season.

His attitude has been a source of disappointment because he usually works so hard with little reward and seems to be fine with that. Ever since his knee injury I think his mentality has changed for the worse.

tim_holsters

I'd forgotten about the injury.

Father Damo

Dempsey wrote: »

Didnt a team, North Korea i think, press FIFA on that rule at the last WC and they were told that the 3 named keepers can only play in goal. Personally I think a squad should be allowed take the risk of only bringing 2.

Its North Korea....they are all called Kim or Park something and all look alike to foreigners....they should have chanced their arm anyway :pac:

tbh the rules in this regard are a bit unfair. Considering the pool of players larger countries have and the quality, we are a bit hindered. But then again the rules in general are always geared toward the traditional big names gaining advantage.

Blatter

Disappointing but not surprising unfortunately. Loyalty can be a great trait, but in football, erm, you generally pick your best football players.

Danny Welbeck, Danny Sturridge, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling all had little to no impact on England's qualifying campaign. Will all of them be left out of the Euro 2012 squad? Not a chance, and rightly so. I'd be willing to bet that at least one, if not two or three of them, will actually start at the Euros.

You just know if Kevin Doyle continues to play ****e, like he has been doing for some time now, he'll still be a nailed on starter at the Euros. Jon Walters or Shane Long should already have displaced him by now.

But these are the sort of negatives that the FA signed up for when they took Trap on. As a manager he brings some good things to the table like organisation and team spirit, but there's no reason why he can't offer those qualities whilst at the same time not being so eccentric with his team/squad selections.

Dempsey

Blatter wrote: »

Disappointing but not surprising unfortunately. Loyalty can be a great trait, but in football, erm, you generally pick your best football players.

Danny Welbeck, Danny Sturridge, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling all had little to no impact on England's qualifying campaign. Will all of them be left out of the Euro 2012 squad? Not a chance, and rightly so. I'd be willing to bet that at least one, if not two or three of them, will actually start at the Euros.

You just know if Kevin Doyle continues to play ****e, like he has been doing for some time now, he'll still be a nailed on starter at the Euros. Jon Walters or Shane Long should already have displaced him by now.

But these are the sort of negatives that the FA signed up for when they took Trap on. As a manager he brings some good things to the table like organisation and team spirit, but there's no reason why he can't offer those qualities whilst at the same time not being so eccentric with his team/squad selections.

I agree with your points but England having this policy means nothing for Ireland, even in relative terms. All those players would be starters for us, but we dont have that level of quality or near it breaking through. And another thing is, they do break in alot of talent earlier than they should. Its a failure of theirs we shouldnt be looking to replicate.