Jovanovic overshadows Standard preparations

Posted Tuesday, October 20, 2009 by PA

Standard Liege head into Tuesday's Champions League showdown with Olympiacos in Greece with preparations being overshadowed by the ongoing soap opera involving star midfielder Milan Jovanovic.

Not content with reportedly holding talks with other clubs ahead of the January transfer window, Jovanovic has made a thinly-veiled criticism of manager Laszlo Boloni's tactics while also incurring his coach's wrath following the recent international week.

Jovanovic's representative is reportedly in negotiations with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid and Valencia after apparently rejecting an approach from English side Everton in the summer. Standard, meanwhile, are thought to be keen to tie the Serbia international to a new contract.

Despite the off-field speculation Jovanovic has continued to perform well for the Belgian champions so far this season but relations with the club took a further blow this week with the player speaking out about Boloni's tactical system.

Most of this season has seen Jovanovic tied down to a midfield role with Dieumerci Mbokani operating as a lone striker. And Jovanovic believes that is making life difficult for them both collectively and individually.

Ahead of Tuesday's trip to Greece for the Group H showdown with Bozidar Bandovic's side and after a 2-0 defeat at Westerlo in the Jupiler League at the weekend, Jovanovic said: "Mbokani is too lonely, he is still grappling with four defenders on his own."

Having seen several players limp back from international duty - forcing him to patch up as many as he could ahead of a busy period for Standard - Boloni was incredulous to discover the Belgian federation have lined up another friendly against Saudi Arabia.

"I can understand that the Federation needs cash, but I always feel that players are sacrificed in this situation," he said.

"In cases of muscle injury, I always put myself in question. We just had three fractures, I am powerless."

Boloni also had a barbed comment for Jovanovic, who played both of Serbia's recent games despite, according to his club boss, agreeing not to play the second.

"Jova? I congratulated him for his goals and he has played two games when I asked him to overlook the second. Okay, so I expect him to do the same with the Standard. "

Standard defender Momo Sarr is relishing tomorrow's trip, insisting the recent international week has revitalised him.

Senegal international Sarr missed the weekend defeat at Westerlo with a knock suffered playing for his country but believes his trip to Korea was just what he needed and gave him a psychological boost - if not a physical one.

"We discussed it with the coach (Laszlo Boloni)," said Sarr.

"The decision was made after consultation between all of us. It was perhaps better that I take a little rest after the tour in Korea with Senegal. However, I always find that playing with my countrymen gives me a real pleasure - it is excellent for one's state of mind."

Boloni is likely to start with Mbokani on his own up front in Greece although Igor De Camargo is nearing fitness after a minor fracture in one of his big toes.

Midfielder Axel Witsel can return to action after a domestic suspension while Eliaquim Mangala, despite training on his own at the weekend, is also available. Olivier Dacourt is ineligible but Ricardo Rocha returns.

Olympiacos, meanwhile, come into the match after a 3-0 league win over Asteras Tripolis at the weekend.

They will be without midfield talisman Luciano Galletti (calf), Matt Derbyshire (groin) while Aristides Soiledis and Enzo Maresca are both doubtful.

Defensive enforcer Carlos Diogo and Georgios Galitsios picked up knocks against Tripolis and will be unavailable.