Ambitious Daum expects big things
Posted Thursday, September 17, 2009 by PA
Fenerbahce coach Christoph Daum believes his team's ambition could be the key when they kick off their Europa League group stage campaign against FC Twente on Thursday.
The Turkish side have enjoyed a fantastic start to the season and are unbeaten at home and abroad going into their opening Group H encounter.
Daum knows his team are in for a tough test but insists his players are only thinking about victory.
"It is important for us to make our mark in the match especially as it will be played at our ground," he said. "We need to be careful not to get caught out at counter attacks. They are a strong team.
"But our players are among the most ambitious in the European League. We want to be successful in Europe.
"It is a difficult group but we want to get off to a good start. That's why our goal is victory.
"Twente achieved very good results last year. They have good, young players who will grow.
"They're a really strong opponent who have a good mix. Young and talented players together with experienced players."
Fenerbahce, who have been more used to playing in the Champions League of late, will be eager to prove themselves after a disappointing season which saw them finish outside the top two for the first time in six years.
Roberto Carlos is a major doubt ahead of the tie while Deniz Baris is definitely out.
Twente coach Steve McClaren restored his reputation somewhat with an impressive first season in Holland, steering them to second spot in the Eredivisie and the first knockout stage of the UEFA Cup where they lost 7-6 on penalties to French giants Marseille.
The former England coach knows his team will face a hostile atmosphere in Istanbul but feels his players are up to the challenge.
"We know that it's going be heated there, but that's a fantastic experience for the players," said McClaren. "This is what players want.
"We will have to deal with that and we must use the experience of the past two years we have gained in Europe.
"We will especially have to be strong mentally, which is the key to success at every game in Europe."
Slobodan Rajkovic and Jeroen Heubach are injured and have remained in Holland.
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