Trap points finger at Russians

GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI believes that pressure from Russia has resulted in Ireland having to play their next European Championship qualifier in Andorra’s tiny Communal d’Andorra Stadium.

Andorra had originally indicated that they would play the October 7 game in Espanyol’s ground in Barcelona but later cited a UEFA decree for the decision to revert back to the 1,800 capacity venue in the capital of Andorra. Significantly, that is where Russia and Slovakia have already played their away games to Andorra in Group B. “I think Russia wanted us to play in Andorra. There is some malice there, I think. Little teams have certain habits and certain customs and, playing in Barcelona, psychologically Andorra can lose their attitude and mentality.”

Asked if he could sympathise with the Russian point of view, Trapattoni replied: “Sure, I think we can admit this but now we must think about our attitude and our approach to this game. We will have to be able to adapt because on the little pitch there will be less space. It will be important that we are disciplined. We will need a warm heart but a cold mind.”