Greek boss Santos: Forget German low, Trap still a force

Seldom does an international get-together pass without Giovanni Trapattoni referring to the friends he’s won over his illustrious managerial career and, from that reservoir of acquaintances, Greece manager Fernando Santos last night chipped in to support the Ireland manager in his time of need.

The Portuguese was leaving his homeland for a sojourn in Greek football management just as Trapattoni took the reins at Benfica following Euro 2004.

What Trap achieved during his 30 years has convinced the man in the opposite dugout for tonight’s friendly that the wily campaigner can still cut it at the top.

Santos even dismissed the 6-1 thumping Germany inflicted on Ireland in the last home game as a possible stain on the Great One’s record, instead describing the calamity as a one-off with the diplomacy his elder counterpart would be proud of.

His own team had, in contrast, pushed the Germans to extra-time at Euro 2012, eventually succumbing 4-2.

So, can anything be drawn by the nations’ respective results against Joachim Low’s aristocrats?

“I believe that Germany’s victory over Ireland was an abnormal result,” said the 58-year-old.

“This wasn’t a regular result for Ireland so I cannot compare this result to ours. His (Trapattoni’s) teams are always competitive and never quit.

“The last time I spoke with him was in Poland (at the Euros) and I also met him a few times in Portugal.

“I don’t know him very well but he’s a great manager and much-respected from all people who work in, and know something about, football.”

Up until Ireland’s implosion at the Euros, Trapattoni had frequently cited Greece’s Euro 2004 triumph as the example of how the underdog could prosper amongst Europe’s elite.

Succeeding Otto Rehhagel, who Santos says wrote “gold pages” in Greek football history, two years ago was a task he glided into by steering them to qualification at the first attempt.

Now ranked 12th in the world, 14 places above Ireland, the visitors will fancy their chances tonight, yet Santos is expecting an even encounter.

The fact he’ll deploy an identikit 4-4-2 formation to Trapattoni’s, with captain Georgios Samaras likely partnered by Stefanos Athanasiadis in attack, gives substance to his assertion.

He said: “The characteristics of Ireland are similar to ours. There is passion to their game and they’ll fight till the end for their supporters. Both teams are strong and they are well matched.

“There are some friendly games which are just friendly — but one against the Irish will always be competitive.”

Samaras is arguably at the peak of his career on the back of two impressive displays for Celtic against Barcelona, though his manager was reluctant to predict another glory night for his gangly striker.

“He (Samaras) has a smile on his face for every game and he’s no different this time,” he said.

“I am always confident about his skills and I know the other players are confident when he plays in the team with them.”