Re: SL Benfica Thread
København out to clip Eagles' wings
"We respect them but we are not afraid of them." That is the defiant message from FC København coach Ståle Solbakken as the Danish champions prepare to host SL Benfica in their opening Group F fixture at the Parken Stadium on Wednesday night.
Solbakken optimism
It is the first time that København have made it to the group stage of the UEFA Champions League and having caused an upset by claiming the scalp of AFC Ajax in the third qualifying round, Solbakken feels his side are capable of creating another shock by overcoming last season's quarter-finalists. "I am quite confident about getting a result," said the Norwegian. "The reason I say that is not how I rate Benfica but how I rate my own players and my own team. I know that on our day we can take points off anyone and that includes Benfica."
Striking reshuffle
København will be without the suspended Marcus Allbäck meaning that Jesper Grønkjær is likely to support Fredrik Berglund in attack, while goalkeeper Jesper Christiansen has declared himself fit after shaking off a back injury sustained in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Esbjerg fB. The Superligaen outfit have also been boosted by the news that Benfica playmaker Rui Costa will be missing because of a thigh strain and with a capacity 40,000 crowd behind them in their maiden UEFA Champions League campaign, Solbakken is predicting an uncomfortable evening for the visitors.
Learning curve
"I don't think they are looking forward to this game," Solbakken added. "Mentally, this match will be tougher for them than for us. The pressure is all on Benfica and that will also play on the minds of their players. It is a 50-50 game and I don't think there will be too many chances." The 38-year-old, who was forced to give up his playing career in 2001 after suffering a heart attack at København's training ground, has made quite an impression since taking over as coach earlier this year. Despite all the fighting talk Solbakken is realistic about what his charges can achieve in Europe's élite tournament. He said: "It is a great achievement for a club such as ours to reach the group stage. Now we have six games to learn more and improve the quality of this group of players."
Visitors target victory
His counterpart Fernando Santos is attempting to make light of Rui Costa's absence but admits it is vital for the Eagles to get off to a winning start following their 3-0 defeat at Boavista FC in their curtain-raising league fixture at the weekend. "It is very important to start with a victory," said the coach. "The first game is always the most important. We have come here to get a win but we know the difficulties we will face against København." Winger Simão should start although not fully fit and he is determined to return to Lisbon with three points. "Beating Ajax was an impressive achievement and we know we are facing a good side," the Portuguese international said. "I am still not 100 per cent fit but I am capable of helping the team and we will do everything to win."
Probable teams
København: Jesper Christiansen; Lars Jacobsen, Brede Hangeland, Michael Gravgaard, André Bergdølmo; Michael Silberbauer, Tobias Linderoth, Hjalte Nørregaard, Atiba Hutchinson; Jesper Gronkjær, Fredrik Berglund.
Benfica: Quim; Alcides, Luisão, Ricardo Rocha, Léo; Paulo Jorge, Petit, Nuno Assis, Konstantinos Katsouranis; Nuno Gomes, Simão.
©uefa.com 1998-2006. All rights reserved.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Back to the Champions League! 8)
If tomorrow Benfica doesn't win this game, I'll kill Fernando Santos for sure!
goodbye Manuel.. and thank you!! The only thing I can say is that, if he's happy, this was the right thing to do.. Unfortunately here @ AC Milan he didn't have the opportunities he deserved..
