Staunton keeps it simple for Shay
Simplicity is genius. That is how Shay Given sums up Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton's coaching style.
It would appear that after a few months in the job, and with barely a handful of days working with the players, Staunton has cracked the secret to managing, according to Given.
If his methods lead Ireland to the European Championship finals in two years’ time, then Staunton is likely to be feted as much as legendary former manager Jack Charlton.
As far as Ireland vice-captain and Newcastle goalkeeper Given is concerned, Staunton is making all the right noises and impressing the players.
Following a four-day training camp in the Algarve, Given said: “It’s hard to know what Stan is yet as a manager because we’ve only been with him here for a few days, and then two days before the last game.
“You can see he is trying to get his own ideas across, that he is willing to let players express themselves and to go out and enjoy themselves. That's really refreshing, especially for the young lads that have come in because he has not drilled anything into them that’s foreign.
“He has told them to play their football, to do their own thing, and that’s good for them and sometimes the best way. It’s been nothing too complicated with him. Simplicity is genius, and he is trying to get that across.”
Thirty-seven-year-old Staunton has quickly imposed himself, with the last few days in Portugal proving of enormous benefit as the opening match of the qualifying campaign looms on the horizon on September 2.
“The key thing is we are preparing for that game, with training here good for that because Stan hasn’t been with us for very long,” added Given.
“He has new ideas he wants to try out, in particular he wants us to impose ourselves on the opposition. For me personally it’s about doing things quicker, setting up attacks quicker to catch out the opposition.
“But I think he has spoken to every individual and told them what he wants, which is key.”
Vital, too, if Ireland are to come away with a victory in Stuttgart will be a watching brief on Germany this summer.
While Staunton will look on personally, his players will catch their games on television, with Given believing it crucial they try to gain any kind of advantage.
“We will be keeping an eye on them,” confirmed Given. “I’m sure all the lads will be watching them, looking to take the positives out of the game to see how we can get into them and cause them problems.
“They are the home nation so they will be quite fancied but much will depend on how they do in the World Cup when it comes to the atmosphere in September.”
First up is tonight’s friendly with Chile at Lansdowne Road, with Tottenham right-back Stephen Kelly set to make his debut.
Gary Breen will make his first appearance for 18 months, partnering Richard Dunne at the heart of the defence, with Kevin Kilbane likely to operate at left-back.
Across the middle it will be Steve Finnan, providing he passes a late fitness test on a knee problem, with Steven Reid and John O’Shea, while Kevin Doyle, Damien Duff and Keane form the attack.
