DESPITE a seeming rigid discipline, members of the Irish 2002 World Cup still live a normal life like people their age, according to Republic of Ireland Soccer team assistant coach Ian Evans.
“They enjoy life. They live a normal life. There are no odd restrictions or whatsoever in connection with their games,” Evans said.
For instance, soccer players are not prohibited from seeing ladies before games.
“They have girlfriends back home. They can’t just bring them along all with them now,” he said.
As regard physical requirement for playres, Evans, who has been with the Football Association of Ireland six years ago, said height is not an issue with team membership.
“As long as they know how to take control of the ball, as long s they they can manipulate the ball, regardless of their height, they can join the team,” he said.
He said IFA gives “an enormous and very rewarding” salary to its players.
“That’s a sure thing,” Evans said.
The 23-man squad holds its training at Ada gym in Susupe everyday as part its preparation for the 2002 World Cup in Japan.
FAI decided to make a week-long stop on Saipan to get used to humidity in the Pacific.
The team, headed by team manager and coach Mick McCarthy, leaves Saipan on Friday for Japan.
They are scheduled to play against Cameroon on June 1 and two other teams, Germany and Saudi Arabia in the following days.
The Irish team reached the quarter finals in 1990 and the last 16 in 1994. They failed to qualify in 1998.
FAI said it has a “very promising team” this year.
