The new Ireland boss

How the luck of the Irish will bring success to our own Italian job.

And so after over one hundred days of searching we finally have our man. Giovanni Trapattoni is set to be unveiled as the New Ireland boss, and secretly we are all delighted. Not since ‘Big Jack’ has a real big name been touted for the post and it hopefully paves the way for a new era and will not implode like the previous mangers’ regime. Here is why:

(A) He isn’t Irish: This would have been a tricky point previously, but on observation of other European nations appointing a foreign manager has paved the way to success. Greece won Euro 2004 with a German manager; England had their best series of performances, qualifying for every competition under the stewardship of Sven Goran Erickson, a Swede who mastered his art in Italian leagues. Portugal has become one of Europe’s powerhouses in football after being regarded as a team of individuals and not a collective team under the stewardship of a Brazilian.

All of these managers have learned a continental style to football and will bring a completely different style and philosophy to the Irish soccer game. While for years we carbon copied our English counterparts we now have a chance to develop a style that will surprise some but will also make us formidable. Italians have a notorious habit of being overly defensive but that’s what makes for success: patient build up, a collective unit and counter attacking mean Trapattoni will develop a system that will suit personnel but will, if he gets it right, be extremely successful.

(B) He hasn’t played for Ireland: This could prove to be a stumbling block…how well does he know our players? Has he heard beyond Robbie Keane? The answer is probably yes but it will take time for him to get to know the team and more importantly what makes it tick. But what he does have going for him, unlike the previous three managers is that he hasn’t worked with them before. He comes in as the manager, not a former team mate nor youth coach and more importantly, not a soft touch.

Brian Kerr tried to stamp his authority too much; Steve Staunton tried to be too lacklustre. Both caused the team to pull in different directions as they had been used to getting their own way. If Trapatonni’s infamous rant at Bayern Munich is anything to go by he will be a disciplinarian to say the least. ‘Empty bottles’ as he called some of the Bayern players will be put in the recycling bin (sorry for the horrible pun…too good to resist).

(C) A new backroom staff: No more Mick Byrne (what was his role anyway, apart from hugging everyone?) as Trappa will bring in his own men. All men have a specific role in the Irish management system and will no doubt help the team mentally and physically prepare for South Africa in 2010. Liam Brady is touted to be brought in as General Manager. This will ensure proper communications and facilitation will be maintained in the Irish camp.

Italians have been successful in football circles for many years and thankfully it’s time the Auzzuri rubbed off onto the luck of the Irish. Trapattoni has an impressive CV filled with more trophies than Roman Abramovich could ever dream of at Chelsea, the question is…can he do it?

By: Ciaran Callan