Having steered the Republic of Ireland Under-19's to the Elite Phase of the 2013/14 UEFA European Under-19 Championships, manager Paul Doolin took time out of preparation for his fourth Elite Phase to speak to loi19.com about his side’s chances of reaching the finals in Hungary next summer; the teams standing in his side’s way of progression; the importance of making home advantage count; and the tricky question of squad selection.
How do you think you will fare in the Elite Phase in May?
"Well, the Elite Phase is always tough – only one team comes out of it [to qualify for the 2013/14 u19 European Championships in Hungary]. I think next year’s tournament there’s two coming out of the Elite Phase with the Championship itself being increased to 16.
Everybody knows, in the first [qualifying] phase two comes out of it, and I have to say, with all due respect to the teams, all the draws that we’ve had are more like Elite Phases in the first phase because I think Sweden, Bosnia and Azerbaijan are decent teams.
"Particularly as well, people don’t realise we change our squad every ten months, max 12 months, so you’re going through the phases of starting again with another team. Sometimes I’d love to be able to say, having gotten them at the start and seeing them at the end, give me another year with this group of players."
Continue reading my interview with Paul Doolin on loi19.com.
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