Solbakken expecting tough test

Posted Tuesday, September 14, 2010 by PA

Copenhagen coach Stale Solbakken expects Rubin Kazan will prove difficult opponents as they open their Champions League Group D campaign.

Solbakken was impressed by their Russian opponents who defeated then holders Barcelona last season and also earned a draw against Inter Milan who went on to succeed the Spanish club as winners.

Rubin will be looking to repeat last season's performances against Spanish giants Barcelona.

The Russian champions, who retained their domestic title, shocked Barcelona 2-1 at the Nou Camp on their Champions League debut and also drew the return leg 0-0 at home.

"Last year they beat FC Barcelona away with great counter play, and they played a draw against Inter, when they actually had the ball the most," Solbakken told Jyllands-Posten.

Solbakken is close to deciding his starting line-up to face the Russian champions.

He added: "We are fully ready to fight. We know how the fight should be approached, and we know 10 of the 11 players and nine of the 11 positions."

Solbakken must decide whether to pair Solvi Ottesen or Mathias Zanka Jorgensen with Mikael Antonsson in the centre of defence.

Solbakken could also make changes in midfield after the 2-2 draw with Silkeborg on Saturday.

In that game he used summer signing Christian Bolanos on the right side of midfield.

Brazilian Claudemir was deployed in the centre of midfield and could start in the same position against Rubin.

Rubin coach Kurban Berdyev is taking a realistic view as he prepares for the group stages, and is already conceding top spot to Barca.

His target is second place and a ticket to the next round.

"Barcelona are the favourites to win the group but we hope to qualify for the next round and are looking forward to enjoying this Champions League experience, testing ourselves against the finest in Europe," he said.

Salvatore Bocchetti is hoping to start after coming off the bench to score instantly against Amkar Perm, while there are doubts over the involvement of Aleksandr Ryazantsev and Gokdeniz Karadeniz.