Liverpool midfielder http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Raul-Meireles-c30678 expects a tough clash against Sporting Braga
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 midfielder Raul Meireles expects a tough clash against Portuguese side Sporting Braga in the UEFA Europa League.
The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Porto-c39186 player said that he has already told manager Kenny Dalglish about the quality of the opposition and their excellent performance in the 2009-10 season. The Archbishops finished second in the Portuguese Liga in that season, ahead of Meireles’
former side and were able to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
Meireles said that the Braga side will be a tough opponent as they have the same quality side from the previous season and also have another year’s experience. The midfielder insisted that Braga would be a very difficult side to beat in their home as he
has the experience playing against them during his days at Porto.
“I had a talk with the manager. I explained to him Braga had a magnificent season last campaign and finished second, even in front of Porto. I expect a difficult match. I know Braga very well and have played against them many times,” said the Liverpool man
in an interview.
The Portuguese international also praised Sporting Braga’s manager Domingos Paciencia and said that he prepares his team very well before matches. But Meireles insisted that his team is prepared for the clash and Liverpool’s main objective would be to win
the match.
“They have a good team and the manager is a very good and always prepares his teams well at home. I expect it to be a tough match but we are ready. Liverpool always go out to win matches, so that will be our objective tonight,” added the former Porto man.
The two sides meet in the first-leg of the Round of 16 fixture in the competition at the Estadio AXA in Braga on Thursday. Liverpool defeated Sparta Prague in the Round of 32 whereas Sporting Braga downed Polish side http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lech-Poznan-c39779.
The Reds would be looking for a win in the crucial tie as the competition is the only possible silverware the Merseyside club can win in the ongoing 2010-11 season.
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