Three days before Ireland face into vital Euro 2012 qualifiers, Giovanni Trapattoni has given his players the green light for a few beers.
The drinking culture associated with Ireland squads has been well-documented in the past with over-indulgence and late night escapades making headline news at times, but Trap have warned his players of the dangers of repeat pub performances despite not implementing a booze ban.
“The last time, before Croatia, I reminded the players how important it is to grow our personality and professionalism — because of two or three situations when the players were drinking or were in the pub,” the Italian is quoted as saying in the Irish Independent.
“I don’t believe this. I asked them not to repeat this situation. For example, I don’t know if it’s true but, before Italy and after the Macedonia match… I think the players are conscious about this situation.”
“It is important for us, for me, and all the Irish people because we have to show them that we are a professional team with a good mentality.”
With two crucial qualifiers coming against Slovakia and Russia on Friday and next Tuesday respectively, many would think this problem should not even need addressing and that the focus would automatically be on qualifying for a major tournament.
Trap has set a curfew of 11pm for his players to be tucked up in bed by before games.
“I told the players ‘ask me and I can allow you out and at 11 o’clock you can come back’. We can look each other in the eye and speak openly. We don’t need any sneakiness,” Trap said.
“They don’t need to hide and go behind anyone’s back. We have a great responsibility for these players. If they are on the street and a car hits them, what happens? They are kids, they don’t think about the eventualities.”
Not very reassuring stuff, is it?
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