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LAUDRUP EYES TODAY MATCH AT LUZHNIKI
Michael Laudrup claims participation in UEFA Cup campaign is of great
significance for Spartak.
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Michael Laudrup (L) and Igor Ledyakhov Photo
SPORT EXPRESS
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Spartak head coach Michael Laudrup answered the journalists'
questions at the club's sport base yesterday. Today the Moscow team will
host NEK in the UEFA Cup third group stage match.
"We will do without Bystrov, Kovac, Welliton, Sovetkin, Mozart and
Ryzhkov through various reasons", said Laudrup. "Rodriguez will
also be sidelined as he is slightly injured".
"First of all I would like to mention that absence of Kovac is a
big loss for Spartak, but we have a large group of youngsters, and we
can fully rely on their services. Martin Jiranek will wear the captain's
band".
"Participation in UEFA Cup is very important for me, for players
and for the team in general. When you take part in matches of such high
rank, the whole Europe watch you playing, so winning these games is very
prestigious".
"I expect that our opponents will be very aggressive. NEK has several
players, who can be dangerous for our goal. I won't tell you their names,
but no matter who will play for the Dutch team, they will fight until
the end of the game".
"We also shouldn't forget that NEK grabbed a crushing win in their
domestic championship, that will serve as a boost and make players more
self-confident".
"NEK will play away, while Spartak will be at home stands, so evidently
we will be the favorites of the match".
"I liked our previous game in Zagreb. We were leading in score at
the end of the game and our opponents tried to fight back. But I repeat
myself, that I am satisfied with our play that day".
"The Russian football season comes to an end. But when you participate
in UEFA Cup match and understand that victory can secure a playoffs berth,
it always boosts you. When level of motivation is so high, players forget
about their tiredness".
"I think talking about our selection plans for winter break, because
there are two UEFA Cup matches ahead. Today we need to focus all our attention
on them".
Sport
Express Daily, 03 Dec 2008
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