Rutten wary of upset

Posted Thursday, October 22, 2009 by PA

PSV Eindhoven manager Fred Rutten has cited Rubin Kazan's stunning victory over Barcelona as a reason to be wary of every European opponent as his team prepare to face FC Copenhagen.

Russian side Rubin's win at the Nou Camp on Tuesday ranks among the biggest shocks in Champions League history.

Although a defeat for PSV in the Europa League would not come close to creating such a stir, Rutten's side are favourites and he is urging the players not to take the game lightly.

He wants PSV to make sure they win every home game in Group K and they already have three points from their previous match at the Philips Stadion, when they edged CFR Cluj 1-0.

That result, added to a draw away to Sparta Prague, means PSV lead the group after two rounds of matches, but Rutten recognised FC Copenhagen have a good track record in Holland.

He said: "FC Copenhagen have positive memories of the Netherlands. They have contested two matches in our country and both ended in wins against Ajax.

"Their defence is very stable. They have more physical strength than Brondby, whom we met in a pre-season friendly.

"We must not be too naive. A team from a so-called small country pulled off a stunning win over giants FC Barcelona.

"I think FC Copenhagen will opt for a defensive approach, but I expect them to press forward at times as well. That's what they did at home to Sparta Prague and away against Cluj.

"We are well prepared. I don't expect us to create a hatful of chances. We must be cautious. I have warned my players against complacency."

Like PSV in the Eredivisie, FC Copenhagen stand second in their domestic league. They have made a decent start to their SAS Liga campaign but have ground to make up on leaders OB.

Their wins over Ajax, to which Rutten referred, came in 2003 and 2006, with the latter, a 2-0 triumph, securing a place in the Champions League group stages.