After we drew France in our qualifying group, Brian Kerr said "I wish we could have avoided France". No, I don't know about you fellows, but is that really the proper thing to say as coach of any sports team?. Isn't that kind of like saying "Well, we'll settle for what we can get" ?. It sounds like he's no faith in us. Personally, I think we should play with a completely fearless attitude. I for one, cannot wait to get it on with France.
I believe Kerr to be an honest coach and for any coach to say that We were glad we got the French would be a bit of a stupid thing to say. Everyone wanted to to avoid the French (among others) so why should we be suddenly be happy that we got them. If you look back over past qualifications for major tournaments France have been unbelievable. In saying that, I have no doubt that we will not be afraid of them when we come to play them and we will give them the respect they are due, do our homework and come out fighting against them. As you know, we always play better as underdogs and Im sure this is just the start of the comments elevating France as favourites to win the group etc. Put all the pressure back on them. Thats the way we like it.