Chovanec: We won't underestimate Cluj
Posted Thursday, October 22, 2009 by PA
Sparta Prague head coach Jozef Chovanec knows his side face difficult opponents as they attempt to turn round their Europa League campaign when they host CFR Cluj.
Sparta's opening match saw them claim a creditable draw against PSV Eindhoven, who now head the group, but they then went down to a 2-0 defeat against FC Copenhagen to lie bottom of Group K with a solitary point.
Their opponents on Thursday are second after a 2-0 victory over the Danish side was followed by a narrow 1-0 defeat at PSV.
Last season saw the Romanian side compete in the Champions League, where they sprung a shock by beating Roma in Italy as well as holding 2008 finalists Chelsea to a 0-0 draw.
Chovanec has no illusions as to the task his side face, telling www.sparta.cz: "Our opponents are very dangerous.
"There are many creative, talented footballers from all over the world, they have a cadre of stability and quality."
Chovanec also revealed his side have a number of injuries as they look to bounce back from their last league outing, when they appeared on course for three points against struggling Ceske Budejovice thanks to Bony Wilfried's early strike before his goal was cancelled out by Hudson little more than 10 minutes from time.
The result left Sparta sixth in the Gambrinus Liga, one place behind rivals Slavia who have better goal difference.
Chovanec admitted the team were disappointed and said: "Now we must try to put together the team, especially mentally. This type of game always leaves scars."
Opposite number Antonio Oliveira da Silva said: "Of course we have respect for the opponent.
"I think that such a thing is reciprocal. We have repeatedly seen videos of Sparta. They are a compact, solid team.
"We are well prepared and I believe that we will demonstrate most of what we can do.
"As to the result, I'd hate to speculate. We'll see in the course of the game.
"I am of the opinion that every point is important, but a draw is not just playing, that is the way to perdition. "
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