Trapattoni seeks inspiration

Ireland boss hoping to replicate Turkey and Russia's success

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 2nd July 2008

Giovanni Trapattoni July 2

Trapattoni: Learning from others

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Giovanni Trapattoni is hoping that his Republic of Ireland side can learn from the Euro 2008 underdogs.

The Ireland boss, who took charge of the national side in May, feels that surprise semi-finalists Turkey and Russia have proven to the rest of the Europe that anything is possible.

Both sides have climbed the Fifa world rankings on the back of their impressive showings in Austria and Switzerland and Trapattoni is looking for his troops to follow their lead.

"That is a message for our team," he said.

"The last European championship was very important to us, because the famous teams like Italy, France and Holland went out.

"It sends a very important message for us, that there was a big surprise from Turkey and Russia. It's the new situation."

Mentality

The veteran coach was especially impressed with Guus Hiddink's Russian outfit and believes that there are similarities between that side and his own.

"A good team, with good mentality, it is possible for us. Why not?" he said.

"The last European (Championship) showed us that situation."

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