GIOVANNI Trapattoni has admitted he would not be happy with four points from the Republic of Ireland's opening two World Cup qualifiers.
The 69-year-old Italian put his players through a final training session at the Bruchweg Stadium in Mainz last night ahead of today's clash with Georgia – his first competitive fixture as Ireland manager – which will be followed four days later by
another tricky trip to Montenegro.
Four points would represent a creditable start to the campaign as Ireland attempt to end their run of three successive failures to make a finals tournament since their eventful trip to the 2002 World Cup in the Far East.
However, Trapattoni revealed if that transpires and he does claim to be satisfied, he will not be telling the whole truth.
He said: "A coach sometimes in a press conference will say maybe four points is good, but sometimes a coach is lying a little bit. Normally we will say four points is good, but in my heart, I feel six points. I think six points. I maybe say to you four points, but I think six."
While Ireland kick off their attempt to reach South Africa 2010, Group Eight rivals and world champions Italy will start the defence of their title in Cyprus, while Montenegro entertain Bulgaria. Trapattoni is only too aware of the power of his native country, but believes each of the other nations will feel they have a chance of qualifying.
He said: "Italy are the world champions, but this is a good group. All the teams think they can qualify. Georgia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Montenegro and also us will think it is possible to qualify." Today's game may have added spice for the Georgians, who have been forced to surrender home advantage because of the ongoing political instability in their country, a decision which has angered their Argentinian coach Hector Cuper who insisted Tbilisi was safe
Trapattoni said: "I understand why our Georgian colleagues and their supporters think about that. But we said Fifa must take the responsibility. The safety of the players and our supporters was important. But our players must not think we have an advantage."
The full article contains 366 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
