Giovanni Trapattoni believes the atmosphere in the Republic of Ireland camp has improved as they prepare to face Croatia at Euro 2012.
Italian believes growing tensions in camp have been defused
Giovanni Trapattoni believes the atmosphere in the Republic of Ireland camp has improved as they prepare to face Croatia in their opening Euro 2012 game.
The Italian admitted he was worried with the attitude shown in the Irish camp during the build-up to their rain-swept goalless draw against Hungary in Budapest on Monday night.
And as Ireland go into their first European Championship in 24 years on the back of a 14-game unbeaten run, the 73-year-old now believes the growing tensions about overtraining have now been defused.
The players arrived at their training base in Gdynia in good spirits and are now prepared to face Slaven Bilic's side at the Municipal Stadium in Poznan on Sunday night.
"I think only one day in fact after we arrived in Budapest, (the atmosphere) was a bit of a strange, in my opinion," said Trapattoni.
"Also, this morning, and again this afternoon, I saw it again, but actually it wasn't as bad as my first impressions and I said this to the team.
"They started (training) again with this (correct) attitude and played very quickly, which is good."
Ability
Trapattoni has taken Ireland to their first major tournament since the World Cup in 2002 and the squad were practicing penalties during training, but the Italian has called on the players to believe in their own ability.
"Remember, we have a good quality - our quality and our attitude. Not only do we have a fine attitude, but also quality and ability."
The main injury concern for the Irish has been No.1 Shay Given. But the Aston Villa shot-stopper took part in training for the second day in a row as he continued his recovery from a knee problem.
"I have no doubt Given can play," added Trapattoni. "When the team or the squad is completed, then we have good options."
