Manager will 'trust' frontline players

Soccer: Trapattoni has given the strongest indication yet that he will remain faithful to the players who helped him lead the Republic of Ireland to Euro 2012.

The Italian, whose two-year contract extension was announced this morning by the FAI, has said it is important to show “trust” in the squad that helped him secure Ireland’s first appearance in a major tournament since 2002.

Speaking to Newstalk in a pre-recorded interview this morning he indicated those hoping to get a call – like Norwich City’s Wes Hoolahan and Anthony Pilkington - would most likely have to count on injuries to frontline players.

“It is important that we show confidence and trust in the old group,” he said. “But we don’t stop looking … because it’s important every Sunday, every Saturday we watch the other new generation when we need to have the second good option.

“In England, in the Championship and Premier League we have many injuries, it is important that we have a second option. It is important that we discover others, but also we will keep trust with the team for the Euro Championship.”

The manager, whose pay has been cut for a second time since he took over in May 2008, also defended his tactics, saying it was the system suited best to the players he had.

“The system is important. When you have the players you can change the system. If you have your (Ireland’s) quality, I couldn’t change your quality with the other systems.

“I think that this system gave us the best opportunity to qualify.”

He added: “In the future we can have other opportunities, we can also change. I changed the team in four or five countries, In Spain, Italy, Germany, Portugal and also Austria I changed many systems.

“The system is the players, the players make a system, not the coach because it is very difficult to change.”

Trapattoni and Ireland will learn who they will face in Poland or Ukraine when the draw for the Euro 2012 group stages is made on Friday evening.

He has said recently that he would not welcome a meeting with England or his homeland Italy because of the emotion involved in such an occasion, but feels, regardless of the opponents, his team can have a good campaign in the summer.

“I am sure it’s not easy, but with our mentality we can do well.”