Koller plays down hype

Marcel Koller may view the Republic of Ireland as slight favourites ahead of tonight’s World Cup qualifier, but the Austria manager is ready to upset the odds and the standings in Group C.

Weary of being disrespectful to Giovanni Trapattoni’s side, Koller yesterday played down the hype the local media were building up about the home team breezing through this clash.

Around the Austrian capital, the general view of this Irish team is hardly favourable, as they are labelled as being overly-defensive and relying heavily on their physicality.

Koller, though, opted to remain cautious of a team also fighting for qualification in a group that may have its winner (Germany) confirmed tonight but, with Sweden also in the mix, is engaged in a three-way fight for second place.

“We don’t know the Irish tactics yet, but they play very physical, aggressive and simply won’t invite us to get into their penalty area,” stated Koller.

“I think everybody knows him [Robbie Keane] and his quality is obvious. We have seen him score against Sweden and he is a player that simply never surrenders and he is always trying to get involved and fighting for the ball, so we will really have to take care of him.”

Of course, the other person Koller remains wary of is Trapattoni. The Italian could be facing his final game in charge of Ireland amid increased speculation about his future, but he is seen as a legend in these parts.

Having led Red Bull Salzburg to the Austrian Bundesliga in 2007, Trapattoni left his mark and that is why striker Marc Janko insisted this week the FAI would be crazy to get rid of him.

“I am convinced that he always did his very best for his team and for Ireland, so, of course, I would feel sorry for him [if he was fired] and that is something I would never wish for him. On the other hand, I wish that we will win,” said Koller.

“We’ve experienced Ireland in the first game [in Dublin] and we know that they play football and they know how to play it. They are very good on man on man, they are very good with the game in the air and we have to be ready for that. We need to play football. If you assume that Sweden can win in Kazakhstan, then both Ireland and Austria have to win here [to stay in the mix for second place].”

Austria are likely to be without Werder Bremen midfielder Zlatko Junuzovic, while Julian Baumgartlinger returns from suspension for what is a must-win game for both teams.

If they are to beat Ireland, then Bayern Munich’s David Alaba will surely be central to that. The 21-year-old plays at left-back for his club, but is the main man in this team and should control their engine room.

“He [Alaba] is an extremely important player for us and even with his 21 years he already has great experience and has already won big titles. To succeed that, you have to play on the top level and that is what makes him a very precious player for us,” said Koller of his star player.

With Austria expecting a win and Trapattoni needing the three points to stay in his job, this should be a thoroughly engaging encounter and one that will shake up Group C.