Trapattoni insists Ireland are a "first-rate team"
Trapattoni says Ireland can beat Italy during World Cup qualifying
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Wednesday, 13, Feb 2008 10:55
Newly-appointed Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni insists he is taking over a "first-rate team" and believes they will qualify for the World Cup.
The 68-year-old, who will take his position at the end of the current season, says it is possible for them to finish top of their qualifying table despite facing stiff opposition from Italy and Bulgaria.
Trapattoni says he is looking forward to facing his countrymen April 1st 2009 and thinks his new side can cause an upset against his former employers.
He said: "Ireland are not a second-rate team, they are supposed to be a first-rate team.
"Qualifying for the World Cup in 2010 will be hard, and playing against the Italian team will make me proud, but it should be possible for Ireland to come first."
Speaking at the press conference to unveil the new manager chief executive John Delaney revealed the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) were able to afford Trapattoni thanks to a benevolent supporter.
Delany said that he was approached by a businessman who claimed he supported the FAI's bid to land a top-class coach so much that he was prepared to help pay the new manager's wages.
"I would like on behalf of the FAI and every Ireland fan to extend our deep gratitude to businessman Denis O'Brien for his gesture," said Delany.
Ray Houghton, who was a member of the panel who appointed Trapattoni, clamed the Italian was "100 per cent this is the man to take the team forward" and likened his passion for the game to that of Alex Ferguson's.