Casanova confident of success

Posted Thursday, September 17, 2009 by PA

Toulouse coach Alain Casanova is confident his side can finally get back to winning ways when they take on Partizan Belgrade in their Europa League Group J opener on Thursday.

Casanova's men, who finished an impressive fourth last season, have only won one out of five Ligue 1 matches this season and have not tasted victory for nearly a month.

However, they looked more comfortable in their goalless draw with Nancy at the weekend and Casanova believes they should easily qualify from a group which also includes Club Brugge and Shakhtar Donetsk .

"I'm not worried and I respect everyone," he said. "But playing at Belgrade or Bruges is not as bad as playing at Marseille, Lyon or Bordeaux.

"I don't want to insult anyone but apart from Shakhtar, we should have no difficulty in this group.

"The squad is good. Those who didn't play in international matches relaxed and worked well.

"That was half shown by a good game at Nancy, even if a victory would have done us even better.

"I find the players quite well physically and quite well mentally."

Toulouse have been hit by a late blow after captain Mauro Cetto broke his collarbone during training this afternoon.

Fode Mansare, Mohamed Fofana and Luan are also out while Albin Ebondo is suspended.

Partizan have been boosted by the return to fitness of Almami Moreira, although it is unlikely the Portuguese midfielder will play the full match against Toulouse.

The Serbian team lifted their second successive league and cup double last season but saw coach Slavisa Jokanovic sacked at the beginning of the month.

His replacement Goran Stevanovic admits it is a tough time for the club and has issued a rallying cry to his players,

"It's necessary that my players show imagination, creativity and inspiration and, as such, amaze our fans," he said. "We have a talented squad, but it's time to bring that out on the pitch, not to keep it locked in a dressing room.

"This game is coming up in a difficult moment for us but I have done everything possible to convince everyone to believe in themselves as much as I have faith in them.

"Those who cannot play under pressure chose the wrong profession.

"The good news is that Moreira trained on Tuesday without any problems. God willing, he'll be in the starting line-up."