SO MUCH FOR living up to stereotypes.
Three-time world champions Germany arrive into town ahead of tomorrow’s qualifier with Ireland but instead of showing us up with their organisation, punctuality and all-round efficient ways, they stage the late, late show.
In the hope of allowing journalists to make it from the Aviva Stadium in Dublin 4 out to the Malahide’s Grand Hotel for Giovanni Trapattoni’s team announcement in the rainy Thursday afternoon traffic, the German press conference was put forward by 15 minutes to 1.15pm today.
Expecting to see everyone in place and ready to commence on time, however, we were instead greeted by manager Joachim Loew, who strolled out, cup of coffee in hand, scarf neatly wrapped around his neck, before it was explained that there would be a delay due to the fact that a number of the German media had only landed in Dublin and were currently making their way up the M1.
Just before 2pm, the party in question finally enter the room to allow proceedings to begin. Loew, usually cool but seemingly a little uneasy, was quizzed about Bastian Schweinsteiger’s recent comments on team unity, Miroslav Klose’s 125th cap, the part Lukas Podolski will play and the solidity of his defence.
There was also question on Ireland’s 4-0 drubbing by Spain at Euro 2012, which he responded to by bigging up the atmosphere in the Aviva Stadium and mentioning that there will be “a lot of tackling” from Giovanni Trapattoni’s team on the night.
One more line that he predicts “fast, long balls” played by the home side, and that was about it. The team’s media officer wrapped things up and off they went to prepare for a final training session.
Not one question was allowed to the Irish media. No talk of the possible Irish line-up and how they are likely to set up or even past encounters with Giovanni Trapattoni during the Italian’s Bundesliga days. Nothing.
It’s surely not that Germany think so little of Ireland that they chosen to completely disregard them but it seems clear that Herr Loew is focused firmly on his own team rather than worrying about matters such as the threat Jonathan Walters may pose in Robbie Keane’s place tomorrow.
