We want to take game to Germany
Nothing really surprises you in football these days, but it has certainly been an eventful week both at club level and here within the Ireland camp.
Although there has been a lot going on this week, our preparations have gone as well as they could have for tonight’s crucial encounter with Germany. The manager has been working all week on a 4-3-3 formation to try and nullify the strengths of the Germans. I’m sure at times it will be 4-5-1 but the manager is adamant he wants to take the game to them and be positive. I can understand why it’s been tough for him to change from our favoured system of 4-4-2 as we have been very successful in his tenure playing this way. But he has experimented with the new system in the games against Serbia and Oman, and nearly all of us have played it at club level at some stage, so I don’t see it being a problem.
The match tonight will see only four players starting that began our last game in the Euros against Italy. Obviously there have been retirements and injuries but it still shows how much things have changed in the space of a few months. It’s true we won’t have a team with as much experience this evening but what we lack in that department, we should more than make up for with energy and endeavour. We couldn’t have relied on Shay, Duffer, Robbie and Richard forever so now is the time for the rest of us to step up to the plate. Most of these lads have been in and around the squad for a few years, so they know exactly what it takes for us to get results.
It’s been good to see Robbie Brady, David Meyler, Ciaran Clark and Connor Clifford at close quarters. They’ve looked very much at home and proved in training what good prospects they are. I said after the Euros there had to be a certain amount of evolution for the squad to move forward and with the lads just mentioned, along with Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy, there has been a fresh feel to training this week. On one side it’s made me feel younger knocking about with the pups but then I remember I’m 32 and I quickly realise I’m getting on.
Apart from Spain, I rate the Germans as the best side in Europe. They are blessed with outstanding individuals who play for some of the top sides around Europe. Here’s an insight into what we are up against tonight and how professional a set-up the Germans have.
During the Euros Shay Given had been hampered by some niggling injuries and after finding out that the German training base was only a short drive from ours, he went to see Dr Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt, a specialist whom he had previously attended. When Shay got there he couldn’t get over what he was seeing. The Germans had spent a reported €2m on completely renovating the hotel and grounds to their specific needs. There were 23 bikes, 23 cross trainers, 23 mountain bikes — basically a piece of equipment for every member of the squad.
They had also sent groundsmen to relay the pitch to their requirements. And there were even reports of their players being put on drips after matches to get the nutrients and vitamins back into them as soon as possible to help recovery. There seemed to be no end to their resources. That’s not a different league to us, that’s a different planet.
Still, I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to this game as it’s a big chance to be part of an Irish side which could cause a massive upset in world football. And if we produce the performance we are capable of and you, the fans, make the Aviva the hostile fortress it can be, then I’m sure we can have a fantastic night.
Returning to the situation at Bolton, I was sad to see Owen Coyle leave this week. He is one of the most genuine men I’ve met in football and his enthusiasm and love for the game is infectious. Unfortunately in this day and age where there are such huge financial implications at stake, he paid the price for the team’s poor results. Of course the problems were not just down to the manager and we, as players, need to have a good look in the mirror.
I spoke with him on Tuesday and he was his usual bubbly self, but I know how much he will be hurting. I have no doubts he will be back in football in no time and be a success wherever he ends up.
The favourite for the job at present seems to be Mick McCarthy and although I’ve never actually worked with him, he’s a manager who has always impressed me. If it was to be Mick, then he will be walking into a very well run club with a squad which I still believe is more than capable of getting promotion this season.
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