By Micil Glennon
Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni says that his experience of high-stakes football will be a telling factor in the Euro 2012 play-off against Estonia.
The 72-year-old Italian has won 10 league titles and all major European titles in his managerial career and feels that his knowledge of “dangerous” situations will help Ireland achieve qualification.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday afternoon, Trapattoni said: “This game is dangerous - like [when I was standing by] the Cliffs of Moher, as some reporters asked me before.
“In my life, thanks be to God, I was in many, many situations like this - the Champions League, Uefa Cup, Italian championship – I was always on the edge of the cliff. Every final – for example, against Liverpool (in the 1985 European Cup) and we got through this situation.”
The manager, who has led Ireland through the group stages of two qualifying campaigns with only one defeat (against Russia in Dublin in October 2010) also reiterated his faith in the system that, while not being much of a “show” for the fans, was getting results.
“We have to be realists,” he said. “I trust our mentality, quality and attitude. We must believe in our quality, but that’s not enough. The result can be decided on other things, there can be a mistake.
“We have a good enthusiasm, it’s different to be creative – we’ve no Messi or Maradona to pass, modern football is compact. [We think] ‘I need to go back and help my defender.’ The philosophy of Estonia is like this. But our philosophy for the last two years is also like this. We have this mentality and that is important.”
Trapattoni also added that playing the first leg away from home could be another significant factor.
“It would be very, very important if we score an away goal because [it creates] a different situation. The second game at home, usually, it’s a good opportunity.”
