Rijkaard feeling calm

Posted Thursday, October 22, 2009 by PA

Galatasaray coach Frank Rijkaard insists he is not feeling the pressure as he prepares his side to face Dinamo Bucharest in the Europa League.

While Galatasaray top Group F, some murmurs of discontent have emerged over the domestic outlook, with Rijkaard's team already five points adrift of a Fenerbahce side that have a 100% record so far.

That gap might grow to eight on Sunday with Galatasary set to face their rivals.

"I'm obviously aware of the criticism," Rijkaard said. "This is part of the job. We respect the job that you do. It's normal, because in a business like this everyone knows what you do.

"That's why anyone can criticism me. But I think my team is in good shape."

Even with Sunday's showdown looming, Rijkaard might welcome a Europa League fixture.

Galatasaray are unbeaten in eight European games this season, with the 1-1 draw against Sturm Graz last time out ending a run of three straight victories.

While it might seem tempting to hold his fire for the now pressing domestic fixtures, Rijkaard insists he will field his strongest available line-up for this match.

"Of course there may be some changes due to fatigue, but for us this is a very important match," he said.

"The only thing that ever matters to me is our next match."

Mustafa Sarp and Hakan Balta could miss out through injury, although Rijkaard confirmed neither player has a long-term problem. Gokhan Zan may be rested after a punishing schedule.

Dinamo head to Turkey under the charge of interim boss Ion Marin, the former assistant of Dario Bonetti who was dismissed since the last round of the Europa League.

The Italian lasted only three month in the job as club president Nicolae Badea was unimpressed with results and sacked him.

Marin, who spent 12 years as a player with Dinamo, is certainly familiar in this role, taking charge of the club for the third time.