Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni prepares to face Italy in Euro 2012 and assures he is “still useful” in the modern game.
The 73-year-old is vastly experienced, but considered to be more representative of old-fashioned defensive tactics.
“I have had many opportunities in the past also because I played in finals as a player,” he told the BBC.
Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni prepares to face Italy in Euro 2012 and assures he is “still useful” in the modern game.
The 73-year-old is vastly experienced, but considered to be more representative of old-fashioned defensive tactics.
“I have had many opportunities in the past also because I played in finals as a player,” he told the BBC.
“But that is the past. It is important I show everyone I am still useful. That's important because football changes and it's important I go with football. I still know about the old football.
“There are teams that win and there are teams like Bayern Munich which played better than Chelsea and lost the Champions League final. That's football. I follow this football, the new football.
“What I ask always of the team is that we believe in ourselves. We have shown them what we want them to do and they understand.
“I have said many, many times, there is the show and the result. You can have a beautiful show, but without a good result…
“After three days, the result remains, but the show is forgotten, and they understand this.”
Trap had disappointments on the Italy bench at the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004. He is in the Azzurri’s group at Euro 2012 with Spain and Croatia.
“Every four years, it changes. The referees change, the culture changes. Ten years ago at the 2002 World Cup, the old Ireland side played very well but in the past 10, 12 years, it is completely different football.”
Ireland have been forced into changing their 23-man squad for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.
This is because Kevin Fahey picked up an injury, so has been replaced by Paul Green, though there are still question marks over the fitness of John O’Shea.