Fenerbahçe - Zaragoza (Uefa Cup Preview)
Fenerbahçe SK coach Christoph Daum has urged his players to maintain the standards they set in defeating Manchester United FC 3-0 before Christmas when they face Real Zaragoza in the first leg of their UEFA Cup Round of 32 tie.
Daum warning
The Turkish club outclassed their English visitors in the final match of UEFA Champions League group stage, and Daum feels a similar performance will be needed against the Spanish club. "I have warned my players that they must repeat their performance in the United game," said Daum. "Zaragoza are in 12th place in Primera División but they deserve better if you look at the quality of their squad. We have to use the advantage of playing in front of our home crowd to defeat them."
Home advantage
Tuncay Sanli, who scored a hat-trick in the defeat of United, also emphasised the importance of having strong support in the first leg. He said: "We have targets in this competition. With the first leg being at home, our opponents will probably play for a draw. But thanks to the support of our fans I am confident we can get a big win.”
Nobre worry
Fenerbahçe's Brazilian striker Marcio Nobre missed training on Monday with a bruised rib but he should still be fit for Thursday. However his compatriot, midfield player Marco Aurelio will miss the game through suspension.
Jiménez blow
Real Zaragoza have suffered the blow of losing centre-half César Jiménez for the rest of the season after he sustained a cruciate ligament injury against Real Madrid CF on 18 January, but they welcome back goalkeeper César Láinez after a long spell out with a knee injury of his own.
Muñoz confident
Zaragoza coach Víctor Muñoz warned his opponents that they will not be in for an easy ride against his team. He said: “Fenerbahçe may consider us to be an easy side and think that they are going to qualify without problems. There is absolutely no doubt that they are a great side - they are the best in Turkey - but we are a decent team too."
Source: Uefa.com
