Veh urges Wolfsburg focus

Posted Tuesday, November 03, 2009 by PA

Wolfsburg coach Armin Veh has called for maximum concentration from his players against Besiktas as the Bundesliga champions look to take a step closer to the Champions League knockout stage.

A goalless draw against the same opposition at the VW-Arena a fortnight ago dented the Wolves' chances of reaching the last 16, but avoiding defeat at Inonu Stadium should leave them in a strong position behind Group B leaders Manchester United, who are favourites to triumph against CSKA Moscow in the night's other group game.

Veh, who heard grumbles of discontent from Wolves fans during Saturday's 3-3 draw at home to Mainz in the Bundesliga, knows the best way to respond to criticism is with a mature display tomorrow.

"If we want to maintain our chances of reaching the next round, then we have got to at least not lose at Besiktas," said Veh.

"We are going to have to build on the foundations of an organised defence and hit them on the break."

However, it is Veh's attacking line which is currently causing him the most concern.

Edin Dzeko has not scored in four games while last season's top goalscorer in Germany, Grafite, has just returned a club-enforced break following his red card against Besiktas a fortnight ago.

The Brazilian misses the return fixture through suspension and said: "It was a mistake and I hope that I have not damaged the team through that.

"I allowed myself to be provoked and that should not happen.

"I hope we can still reach the next round."

Obafemi Martins will take the Brazilian's place in the attack with the former Newcastle striker on a high after hitting his fourth and fifth goals of the season on Saturday.

Thomas Kahlenberg, who made his Wolves debut at the weekend, is ineligible so Veh must make a change to his midfield with Ashkan Dejagah an option.

Besiktas made it five Super Lig wins in a row when they defeated Ankaragucu 1-0 on Saturday and Mustafa Denizli's men appear to be finally getting into gear after a sluggish start to the season.

They appear to have hit form at just the right time as group-stage defeats to CSKA and United mean they can ill-afford to lose again if they want to maintain their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

Former Werder Bremen and Schalke midfielder Fabian Ernst should take his place in the heart of the Besiktas midfield.