I am not God, says Trapattoni
Ireland manager remains modest after masterminding Euro playoff win.
DUBLIN:
Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni said he was not ‘God incarnate’ just because his decision to select Jon Walters had paid off handsomely in their 4-0 victory against Estonia in the first-leg Euro 2012 playoff.
Trapattoni’s decision to give Walters his first start in a competitive match paid off when he scored Ireland’s second goal in a result that leaves them on the brink of qualification for the event.
“I’m not God, I make mistakes,” said Trapattoni. “But after 30 years, I think I understand football a little bit. I thought Walters would be important to defend the ball and help the team to come up the pitch.”
Captain Robbie Keane scored a brace and Keith Andrews also netted one to seal the win.
Elsewhere, Croatia thumped Turkey 3-0, the Czech Republic posted a 2-0 win over Montenegro and Portugal struggled in a goal-less draw against Bosnia-Hercegovina.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 13th, 2011.
Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni said he was not ‘God incarnate’ just because his decision to select Jon Walters had paid off handsomely in their 4-0 victory against Estonia in the first-leg Euro 2012 playoff.
Trapattoni’s decision to give Walters his first start in a competitive match paid off when he scored Ireland’s second goal in a result that leaves them on the brink of qualification for the event.
“I’m not God, I make mistakes,” said Trapattoni. “But after 30 years, I think I understand football a little bit. I thought Walters would be important to defend the ball and help the team to come up the pitch.”
Captain Robbie Keane scored a brace and Keith Andrews also netted one to seal the win.
Elsewhere, Croatia thumped Turkey 3-0, the Czech Republic posted a 2-0 win over Montenegro and Portugal struggled in a goal-less draw against Bosnia-Hercegovina.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 13th, 2011.