Trapattoni: I won't sleep after defeat

Giovanni Trapattoni said he wouldn't sleep on Monday night after his side lost 2-0 to Italy in its final Euro 2012 Group C clash.

That ensured the popular Irish side went home without a single point after previous losses to Croatia and Spain.

And the veteran Italian, who has won the European Cup, Cup Winners' Cup, UEFA Cup three times and titles in four different countries, including seven in his homeland, said he has also struggled to stomach failure.

Even so, he spoke of his determination to keep going.

"In my life I had many successes and have been manager of great teams before I took over a country," he said.

"I had the habit of always winning, but when I lose I don't sleep at night.

"I think about whether I made a mistake. I'd have liked to play again immediately the games against Croatia and Spain.

"But against Italy we played well. I have this willingness to begin again because I am sure all the fresh energy in this squad or the new squad can do better.

"I'm looking forward to starting again in the new season."

Before the Italy match, Trapattoni had said his team was playing for pride and despite losing he felt it had in some way restored some of that.

"We played much better this evening than we did against Spain and Croatia, we played with more personality and respected what we had said about credibility and commitment," he said.

"This evening we made some little mistakes from two corners and we're not used to these little mistakes, but I'm proud of our commitment because although Italy beat us, we gave them our honor."

(China Daily 06/20/2012 page24)