Trapattoni’s Euro 2012 critics unfair, declares Zola

Gianfranco Zola believes the criticism of Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni after last month’s European Championship was “unfair” and that it was an “achievement” in itself for Ireland even to qualify for the tournament.

Trap’s team equalled the worst ever record in the Euros with three defeats, including a 2-0 loss against an Italian side that Zola admitted he was very surprised to see reach the final.

The former Chelsea star, now boss of Championship side Watford, was speaking ahead of the Hornets’ friendly with Cork City tonight at Turner’s Cross (7.45pm).

“The groups were very tough and to be fair to them, Ireland tried their best. It was difficult though and the other teams were at a different level,” he said.

“If you look at the teams in their groups, they were unbelievable. I don’t think Ireland deserve much criticism because their opponents were a level above them.

“They did well just to get there, that was a great achievement regardless of their results during the championships.”

As for Trapattoni, Zola disagreed with the level of disparagement levelled towards his fellow countryman at the end of the competition.

“I feel it would be unfair to criticise Trapattoni because I think he has done a great job for the team.

“Obviously it’s difficult to stop criticism when you’re a manager of any team but to criticise a man of Trapattoni’s experience and history is a little unfair on him when they did so well to qualify for the tournament.”

While Ireland’s least harrowing result came against the Azzurri in their final game of a dismal tournament, Zola, who scored 10 times in 35 games for his country, was pleasantly taken aback by how well his home nation performed in reaching the final.

He was particularly impressed by how manager Cesare Prandelli had the team playing: “I was surprised. They asked me at the beginning of the championship and I said it depended on how well they start.

“Italy are a team that, if they get going, can be very difficult to beat. I also said they were going to play good football because there’s an excellent mix of young and old in the squad.

“I was sure they were going to have a good tournament but, to be honest, I didn’t expect them to get to the final. That went way beyond my expectations and it was all down to the manager and the players, who did a fantastic job.”

Zola also revealed Manuel Almunia has joined Watford, with only paperwork to be finalised before the signing is confirmed. The former Arsenal stopper trained yesterday with the club at the Fota Island Resort, where Watford are based until the end of the week, and looks set to play at Turner’s Cross this evening.

“Today was Manuel’s first day with us. The club is working on his contract and there shouldn’t be a problem there.”

Meanwhile, Cork City have said that they’ve sold more than 5,000 tickets for the visit of a Manchester United select tomorrow night and expect the game to be a sell-out.

United, made up of youth team players, took on Longford Town in the midlands last night.