Guus Hiddink has urges his side to win the UEFA Europa League tie against AZ Alkmaar after a below par performance against Zenit St. Petersburg at home
Anzhi Makhachkala will lock horns with AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Europa League play-off round on the back of a 1-1 Russian Premier League draw against defending champions, Zenit St. Petersburg, at Stadion Dinamo (Makhachkala) on Sunday.
The Wild-division’s manager, Guus Hiddink, is of the belief that his side is capable of delivering favourable results in the European tournament, despite their disappointing league draw against Luciano Spalletti’s men.
The former Real Madrid coach admitted that his side needs to do more hard work before they prepare for the sterner European test against the Dutch side in the play-off round prior to the group stages.
“Anzhi played a good and entertaining match against a very strong opponent. It was very important, without several key players, to achieve a positive result in the match against the champion. In the first half we were a bit shy
but we acted aggressively in the second-half.” The FA Cup winner was quoted as saying.
Commenting on the upcoming first-leg of the two-legged tie, Hiddink heaped praise on Alkmaar, insisting that the Cheese Farmers have enough European experience as compared to his side.
“http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/AZ-c38571 are a worthy opponent, who loves and knows how to attack and their composition contains enough experienced players who have played in European competition before. But if we play the football which we can, then we have a good
chance to be in the next round.” Hiddink concluded.
Samuel Eto’o, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mbark-Boussoufa-c25085 are expected to return to the first team squad after missing out Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Zenit. Hiddink revealed that Anzhi could have won the match had the trio remained fit.
Hiddink went on to admit that the Dagestani club are hoping to strengthen their squad by the end of August, insisting that he wants to strengthen some departments at the Makhachkala-based club.
News in Russian media suggested that Lacina Traore sustained a foot injury. However, the Dutch tactician denied such reports.
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