Giovanni Trapattoni has told his Republic of Ireland players that anything is possible as they prepare for their daunting Euro 2012 adventure.
Ireland have been pitched into battle with reigning World and European champions Spain, Trapattoni's native Italy and Croatia in Group C and face a real scrap if they are to make it to the quarter-final stage.
But Trapattoni insists the Republic should fear no-one, and added: "I think we can have confidence. The opponents, we know - Spain, Italy, the same Croatia - are strong. But I said also to the players, the example is like... when Chelsea beat Bayern when Bayern were favourites. That is very important."
But asked if his team would attempt to set up like Chelsea to frustrate their opponents, the 73-year-old added: "We have other players, another attitude.
"It's not possible to choose a system or attitude. We have confidence about our mentality, our attitude - with this, we have achieved good results. I will say to the players we have to do what we have done until now."
Trapattoni has indicated all along that he will largely rely upon the men who took Ireland to the finals in Poland and Ukraine when they get there, although Sunderland winger James McClean has done everything he can to give the manager something to think about.
Trapattoni admits the 23-year-old, who only won his first senior cap as a substitute against the Czech Republic in February, has already made an impression.
Asked how McClean, who arrived last Thursday, had fitted in, the Italian said: "Very well, with confidence. He's like one of the senior players. Very well."
Trapattoni has signalled his intention to extend the midfielder's range by working with him on the right as well as in his more accustomed left-sided role, and that is something he plans to do in Malahide this week.
All but two of the 23-strong party have now arrived at Ireland's Portmarnock base with skipper Robbie Keane due to fly in from Los Angeles on Monday, when midfielder Glenn Whelan will also join up after being allowed an extra day off following his wedding.
Source: PA
