Giovanni Trapattoni was defiant and defensive at today’s press conference, where he chose to frame Ireland’s qualification campaign so far – and specifically last night’s 2 all draw with Austria – as a learning experience.

When asked if he felt Ireland could still qualify for the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 Trapattoni told reporters, “every game is 90 minutes to achieve qualification. Every game because the others must also play the same games again.

“We have to continue to grow and to take experience from why we achieve this draw. Why did we achieve and why did we concede this draw?”

Giovanni Trapattoni finds himself under pressure now, perhaps more than ever before in his tenure as Ireland manager, but he says he is not feeling any pressure. He told reporters at today's press conference the was still receiving messafges of support from "the people on the road", despite his team being booed off the pitch last night.

“I remember the result, I remember the teams, I remember how many players changed, how many we developed the teams to achieve the France players, to achieve the Euros.

“‘It’s a pity but you have done good jobs’ is what the people on the road are saying.”

Image: Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni
©INPHO/Morgan Treacy