Partizan wary of Dnipro danger
Wednesday, 16 February 2005
FK Partizan coach Vladimir Vermezovic is urging the Serbo-Montenegrin side to
exercise caution against Ukraine's FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk in tonight's UEFA
Cup Round of 32 meeting.

  

Sa?a Ilic expects Partizan to control the game against Dnipro


Wise words
"We have to be wise," said Vermezovic, whose side are without striker Pierra
Boya through suspension while defender Ifeany Emeghara is doubtful due to a
knee injury. "Dnipro are fantastic on the counterattack and we cannot leave
them lots of space. We played our last competitive match three months ago,
but we are ready; only efficiency and probably one goal will decide the
winner. Boya will be replaced by Obiore Odita. The weather conditions are not
ideal, but our goal is to get beyond the Round of 32 and we will achieve
that."

I expect that we will dictate the pace of the game

Sa?a Ilic


'Relative unknowns
"We are an experienced team, but it is difficult to play against relatively
unknown opponents who are nevertheless very strong," said Partizan captain
Sa?a Ilic. "I expect that we will dictate the pace of the game, although we
cannot make a mistake in the midfield and allow them to take control."

Perfect preparations
Dnipro midfield player Olexander Rykun believes that the Ukrainian team have
prepared for the match in the best possible way, saying: "I have a very
positive feeling about how we trained. The conditions were almost ideal, the
pitches were great, and I feel we are ready."

'Beatable opponents'
Serhiy Matiukhin, Serhiy Motuz and Konstyantyn Kravchenko will all miss the
first leg, and midfield player Serhiy Nazarenko expects a tough time in
Belgrade. "Partizan are good opponents who have a reputation in Europe," the
Ukrainian international said. "Every team in the last 32 is strong, but I
think Partizan are beatable. We are taking it one game at a time, I think
that's the right approach."

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