World Cup 2010

Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger Reveals His Admiration For Ireland Coach Giovanni Trapattoni

The Professor is a fan of the Italian legend...

Nov 8, 2009 5:43:54 PM

Photo Gallery

Zoom

Giovanni Trapattoni - Ireland (PA)

Teams

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes France must be wary of Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni's wealth of experience ahead of their World Cup play-off meetings.

The Italian boss leads his adopted country into action against the former world champions at Croke Park on Saturday, with the return leg set to take place in Paris on November 18 and a ticket to South Africa 2010 at stake.

Wenger, a Frenchman himself, believes the national side have come on dramatically in recent months, but the passion and knowledge Trapattoni has could prove to be vital over the two games

"I believe in a contest like this, experience will play its part," Wenger said, according to Mirror Sport.

"I have a big respect for Trapattoni, not only for what he has achieved but for his passion.

"When you look at this guy he is still ready to fight every day and you must respect that."